The story of Kabelo Matsunyane - The 2023 Hollywoodbets Durban July Winner!

Republished - Originally written by Merle Parker for Formgrids

Hollywoodbets Durban July day proved to be a memorable day for jockey Kabelo Matsunyane. Our industry is indeed fortunate to have young people of his ilk dedicated to our industry.

I met with him recently to find out more about him and asked how he got involved in horseracing.

Matsunyane matriculated at Sebokeng Khutlo Tharo Secondary School. He was particularly keen on sport in particular, soccer, cricket, rugby and tennis and excelled in maths and science. Participation in equine sport was not on his sporting agenda and his plan was to be involved in mechanical engineering.

Kabelo and a number of his friends attended a Careers Exhibition in Sandton and the SA Jockey Academy had a stand co-ordinated by Leonard Strong. Strong approached him and asked whether he would be interested as he had the right build to take up the career as a jockey. He filled in the application and was surprised to learn that he could qualify. Having DSTV at home, he watched the Tellytrack racing channel to get some idea of what he would be in for.

He was nervous but nevertheless entered the Summerveld Jockey Academy where he was in attendance for two years. During that time, he was selected to participate in the British Racing School for the short term contract riding work and expanding his knowledge of the industry.

He then returned to Johannesburg to the Gauteng Jockey Academy and was fortunate to be selected to participate in a promotion – France Feature Racing Stars. This was yet another memorable experience for him sharing a jockey room with the likes of Frankie Dettori. Kabelo finished 4th in the competition. He qualified out of the Gauteng Jockey Academy and was full of praise for the riding master Robert Moore and his wife Jia who were excellent mentors in particular about mental strength and life style guidance during his apprenticeship.

Kabelo Matsunyane

His first career win was the Mayhew trained HEYWOT on the Vaal Straight ridden on his 6th start. He has numerous trainers and jockeys who have supported him during his career. In particular, he named Craig Zackey, Clinton Binda and Grant Maroun. He is also thankful for the support and exposure he has received from Paul Matchett, Sean Tarry and Mike de Kock.

2023 Hollywoodbets July day was a life-changing day for Kabelo. Anton Marcus who has nurtured his career called him on the morning of the July to ask how he was doing. He was cool as a cucumber and did not experience any nerves or doubt. He had stayed away from social media to avoid any negative comments. He had been invited to a chat show a few days previously and had said he was confident that he could win the race. In fact, one punter actually laughed at that comment. (Sorry you no doubt lost your money sir.) The third race arrived and he was on board the Brett Crawford trained CRIMSON KING (owned by Messrs P G de Beyer and Andre Louw and bred by Ridgemont Highlands.) His 40-1 shot beat ARAGOSTA with Christophe Soumillon on board which was a tremendous feather in his cap and prepared him for what was to come later in the day. That was his 100th win for the season.

The main race on the day arrived and he was calm. He was confident that WINCHESTER MANSION (Drakenstein Stud) had the ability to win but he had to make sure that he jumped well from the gate. His 101st win was a WOW moment, not only for him but also for stable Brett and James Crawford and owner Gaynor Rupert who celebrated their first Hollywoodbets Durban July victory. It is the one race in South Africa that every owner, trainer and jockey in South Africa wants to win. He rode the perfect race to beat favourite SEE IT AGAIN with Striker Strydom on board.

Kabelo does not see race riding as a profession but rather as a passion. He would like to see more young people coming to the racecourses and participating in the sport of horseracing. There is so much potential in this industry and it desperately needs to be promoted. Keep going Kabelo, we are really proud to be associated with you.