The next chapter in the story of a lifelong ambition that started on the back of a tickey-high pony named Silwan riding from lead rein to 30cm over two decades ago, turns a new page at Hollywoodbets Scottsville today when SplashOut-sponsored Apprentice Savanna Valjalo takes her first ride under rules.
Savanna Valjalo on Snaith soldier Royal Aussie at Summerveld this week (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“Work until your idols become your rivals,” is the personal philosophy of the clearly motivated and eloquent 26 year old who will write her next chapter when she joins the currently sidelined Rachel Venniker in the South African lady jockey professional ranks. Savanna rides Rhythm for Alyson Wright in the tenth race (16h30) at Hollywoodbets Scottsville this afternoon.
“Excited and looking so forward to the experience,” says Savanna in response to our question as to whether she was feeling any nerves and intending to find her rhythm (excuse the pun), early?
The naturally competitive and confident horsewoman , who will be making her maiden visit to the KZN Capital City track, says she’s feeling ‘very positive’.
“I have been supported by so many good people with opportunities along the way and I am really deeply grateful to Mr and Mrs Wright for launching my career under rules with a quality ride. And I love the natty reference to ‘finding my rhythm’ early,” she laughs.
The fact is that Savanna already has 3 winners to her credit and burst on to the scene as the winner of the 2024 Okapi Ladies Race at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on the favourite Gravity for Justin Snaith and leading owners Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith.
Savanna Valjalo and Gravity win the Okapi Ladies Race in January 2024 (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
“Besides being my older brother’s 31st birthday, the 2024 L’Ormarins King’s Plate was the best day of my life! Winning the Okapi Ladies International partnered with the special gelding, Gravity was beyond a dream come true! Thank you Gravity, you absolute superstar! I went into the race dedicating it to my late showjumper Shaggy, and I have no doubt my guardian angel was with us,” she said.
While Savanna had been riding since the age of 3, she had only experienced getting on to the back of a racehorse four months prior to that memorable sunny January day!
Since then she won a Work riders race at the Vaal in June on Gold Agent for Paul Matchett and then followed up at the same venue for Barend Botes in November 2024 on My One And Only.
Savanna joined the SA Jockey Academy in January so it’s been a dream year. But as a nearly 27 year old, was it not tough amongst younger students- some in their teens?
“What a privilege it is to have had the opportunity to have so many inspired and passionate people around us at the Academy. I simply love it and the camaraderie is exceptional. There are four females and we all get on like a house on fire. I have made good friends. And this week Rachel Venniker came to give us a talk. Look what she has achieved in short time both here and internationally!”
Savanna – can’t wait for the big ride today! (Pic – Cape Racing)
Asked where she will be based eventually, Savanna says that lies in the hands of the Academy management.
“I’m really enjoying Durban, and while Johannesburg is where my family is, I may even land up down in Cape Town as a new branch is being set up down there. I really enjoyed the Cape experience. But have saddle, will travel! I will go where I am needed,” she adds maturely.
And now the big day is here and Savanna is looking forward to having her Mom and Dad, a racehorse owner in Johannesburg, and twin brother Brandon on course
Savanna and Brandon were born 20 seconds apart on 11 July 1998 in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The competitive and sporty genes clearly shine bright – Brandon became the first skateboarder to represent South Africa at an Olympics when he competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Savanna says she is honoured to be riding under the SplashOut flag today!
“I really want to make my parents, all my supporters and helpers, and my new sponsors proud. No pressure, as they say!” she smiled.
And a last word on Savanna and Rhythm from Team Gee Racing’s Kevin Wright, a former champion jockey:
“Savanna has a remarkable work ethic and she has really and truly earned every opportunity. I hope the other yards give her the chances too. Rhythm’s not an easy track worker but we chose him as he is the kind of horse that will help Savanna and provide her with a nice introduction to professional race-riding. He’s not a complicated ride and we hope that he can finish in the top 6. Just to mention that the owners are very pleased and excited to be giving her a first professional ride. Savanna ticks all the boxes to make it in this tough game and we are really looking forward to watching her progress,” concluded Kevin.
