Apprentice Donovan Dillon will represent the SA Jockey Academy at the Qatar International Racing Festival at Al Rayyan Racecourse in Doha later this month.
The 18 year old Dillion, who is in the fourth year of his five year apprenticeship will be accompanied by SA Jockey Academy headmaster Graham Bailey when he attends the event from 26th to 28th February.
Dillon will compete against apprentice jockeys from Bahrain, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE.
One of our most promising young riders, Dillon, who goes to scale at 48kgs had to wait a year after entering the SA Jockey Academy in 2010 before he rode in his first race.
In his own words, that ride on Captain Lovemore for Dennis Bosch at Clairwood gave him an indescribable ‘adrenalin rush’, perhaps only surpassed when he won his first race on Baranova for trainer Michael Roberts, whom he describes as ‘the Legend.’
He models himself on our five time champion, Piere Strydom.
Dillon, known as Donny to his friends, will be guaranteed at least two rides in the three race (one race each day) competition at Al Rayyan.
The Qatar International Equestrian Festival (QIEF) is organised by the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (REC).
One of the highlights of REC’s racing calendar, the QIEF attracts top quality Pure Arabians and Thoroughbreds.
Dillon will get his opportunity to make a name for himself as there is wide coverage by both local and international media. A huge number of visitors are seen at the REC during the competition.
Over the years, the QIEF has grown to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the Middle East region.
The first edition of the Qatar International Trophy was held in 1999 with Djelmila taking the top honours. The Qatar International Cup was first run in 2005 and Lodgekeeper was crowned champion that year.
Since the establishment of the international races, Qatar’s quality of racing has been on an upwardly swing. Besides already having the best Pure Arabians in the world, there has been a notable improvement in the standard of thoroughbred racing in Doha.
We wish Donovan well.
