The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) has announced the historic appointment of Colinda Austin as the Academy’s first-ever female Riding Master, alongside the return to his roots of Mitchell Curtis, who joins the team at the main campus in Durban.
These exciting new appointments come as SAJA expands its national footprint with the opening of a new satellite campus in Cape Town.
Colinda Austin – breaks new ground (Troy Finch)
Colinda Austin’s appointment marks a groundbreaking moment in the Academy’s long and proud history.
As the first woman to be named a Riding Master at SAJA, Colinda brings not only decades of hands-on horsemanship and training experience, but also the passion and resilience that have defined her career in a male-dominated industry.
She will be based at the Cape Town satellite campus, where she officially takes over from long-serving, retired Riding Master Vincent Curtis, who assisted in the development and opening of the campus earlier this year.
Her appointment is especially significant for a growing number of female apprentices, who now have a mentor and leader who reflects their own aspirations.
Colinda’s presence brings new visibility, representation, and encouragement for young women pursuing careers in the saddle.
Headmaster of the South African Jockey Academy, Marius Nel, commented: “Colinda’s appointment is a proud and historic moment for SAJA, reflecting both our progress and our principles. Alongside Mitchell’s return, these appointments strengthen our mission to train world-class jockeys through excellence, diversity, and leadership.”
Joining Colinda in this new chapter is Mitchell Curtis, who returns home to South Africa to take up a Riding Master position at our main campus in Durban.
With over twenty years of international experience, including twelve years as Senior Riding Instructor at the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mitchell brings global insight, technical excellence, and a deep connection to SAJA — having grown up at the Academy under the guidance of his father, Vincent.
Colinda and Mitchell join a dedicated team of Riding Masters who continue to uphold the Academy’s commitment to excellence in apprentice training. The team includes National Riding Master Robert Moore, based at the Gauteng Academy; Martin Ball, Head Riding Master at the Durban campus; and Riding Masters Rocky Agrella, Nicky Roebuck, and Patrick Wynne.
Reflecting on the new appointments, National Riding Master Robert Moore said: “The Riding Department at the South African Jockey Academy is proud to welcome Colinda Austin as our first female Riding Master — a landmark appointment that advances both our training program and the broader cause of gender representation in the racing industry. Ms Austin brings decades of horsemanship and instructional expertise to the role, and her leadership will serve as meaningful inspiration to our growing number of female apprentices. We are equally pleased to welcome back Mitchell Curtis, whose return to the Durban campus brings over 20 years of international experience and a deep personal connection to the Academy. These appointments further strengthen a national team dedicated to providing world-class training and mentorship to the next generation of South African jockeys.”
Their work is further enriched by a growing network of industry mentors who have joined the Academy’s development programme to support apprentice jockeys.
Karl Neisius – mentor in the Cape (Pic -hamishNIVENPhotography)
These mentors include top racing professionals such as Gavin van Zyl, who mentors the apprentices in Durban, Karl Neisius who mentors the apprentices in Cape Town, and Jacques Strydom, who mentors the apprentices in Port Elizabeth.
Together, this team provides a rich environment of experience, leadership, and world-class mentorship. From international racing knowledge to hands-on stable management, from technical instruction to psychological support, the SAJA team offers its apprentices the strongest possible foundation for a successful racing career.
The South African Jockey Academy remains committed to preparing the next generation of jockeys — not only with technical skill, but with the mentorship, professionalism, and resilience required to thrive in one of the world’s most competitive sporting industries.
