Talented Gauteng-based lightweight rider Ryan Munger celebrates his 26th birthday today. Time flies. It’s been nine months since the former Zimbabwe champion jockey returned home from Singapore and he is loving life.
Ryan was mulling over the possibilities of a ‘chilled’ day out on the golf course and maybe even some time at a nearby game reserve for his birthday celebration. There can’t be too much of a question as to which option his wife Kelsey may go for.
On his progress with the goal of establishing himself on his return from Singapore in December, Ryan told the Sporting Post that things ‘are going well’.
Ryan Munger celebrates his 26th birthday today (Pic- Candiese Lenferna)
He would not be drawn on commenting about the heavy suspension meted out on his colleague JP van der Merwe by the Singapore Authorities last week.
“I wish JP the best of luck and sincerely hope that things pan out well for him.”
The personable and very likeably young Ryan has an interestingly simple philosophy on life.
“I believe in worrying about the things I can control – not those that I can’t. Hard work and commitment to my professional and family life is the basis of how I live. There will be good times and tough times for all of us at some time – it’s how we handle the challenges that turns the negatives into positives.”
Six months after arriving back from a year in Singapore, Ryan rode his confidence-boosting first Gr1 winner on Singforafa in the SA Fillies Sprint.
He has ridden 14 winners this season and is seventh on the national jockey log. He is on target to ride well over 100 winners this term.
“Ask any jockey and he will never say that it’s enough winners! But I am enjoying some good support in Gauteng and in the Eastern Cape, and I really have so much to be thankful for. I am fit and am enjoying my riding.”
Resident in Fourways, Ryan says that he gets nice riding opportunities from both the Corne Spies and Ashley Fortune yards, who are based at the Vaal. In Port Elizabeth, Zietsman Oosthuizen supports him.
Unlike some of his weighing room colleagues, Ryan is philosophical about the requirements for covid testing for travelling jockeys, and says that he feels that checks and balances are only introduced to protect stakeholders and their families, while ensuring the continuation of racing.
“Nobody would ordinarily choose to have a covid test and it costs money. But it’s part of the package of sacrifice and commitment that a travelling professional faces, and it does give us all a sense of safety and precaution in an environment that is high risk by its very nature.”
And future plans? Are him and Kelsey going to settle down and have a family?
“I’m far too young to raise children,” laughs Ryan as he says that establishing his professional credentials in a tough sport is his focus right now.
Inquiries regarding Ryan’s availability in any region – please contact Wade Viljoen 064 685 6946
