Bling Khumalo is proving himself a gem of a jockey

07 December 2012 - 02:19 By Mike Moon
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Mike Moon.
Mike Moon.
Image: SUPPLIED

S'MANGA KHUMALO got the nickname "Bling" when he dyed his hair blond last year - to go with the significant jewellery, of which he wears a bit.

S'manga is popular in racing; personable and as cocky as the jockey stereotype has it.

But colleagues might be wary of this young fella from Durbs, for he's a serious talent in the irons, about to displace some at the top of the table.

The burgeoning of Bling was plain in Saturday's Summer Cup at Turffontein when he steered 16/1 chance Wagner home in the R2-million contest, fighting off challengers up the finishing stretch.

It got him more bling: a Summer Cup trophy for the mantelpiece.

But, more importantly, he made history as the first black African jockey to land a "Big Three" race.

There was cause for much emotion after the race.

Firstly, it was a first Big Three for South Africa's principal racehorse owners, Markus and Ingrid Jooste.

Secondly, Wagner had been bred by humble grooms at Wilgerbosdrift after stud owner Mary Slack gifted them a mare.

Thirdly, the victory came months after trainer Joey Soma's wife passed away - and he looked to the heavens in dedication to her.

Amid all the hugging and kissing, S'manga seemed unusually quiet, even overawed.

But backslaps and smackers coming his way were well-deserved. Not only was it a gem of a ride on the winner, but he's been a dedicated and hard-working professional.

S'manga hails from Newlands, adjoining KwaMashu. He had no racing background before a Jockey Academy recruitment officer dropped in on Nzuvele High and spotted a tiny kid who looked like he might make a rider.

Entering the academy at 14, S'manga was assured in the saddle from the start and, since completing his apprenticeship in 2005, has regularly been among the country's top 20 jockeys.

Last year, he led the standings for weeks until a crocked knee enforced an eight-month lay-off. He still managed 52 winners for the season - and two Grade 1 wins on Dancewiththedevil.

Homesickness curtailed a stint in Australia, during which he became the first black jockey to grace the Mudgee Cup.

S'manga race rides every day of the week, flying around the country, and currently sits 11th on the jockey log - superb considering he freelances, working mainly for smaller stables.

Saturday made all the travel and sweat worthwhile.

"It was an amazing feeling with the big crowd," he told me.

"Usually, if you're in the lead, you hear other jockeys shouting and other horses coming to challenge. But on Saturday I only heard the crowd roaring. I didn't know we'd won till we were past the post, out there on our own, in front."

But he's not getting carried away. Asked about ambition, he plays defensively: "I don't like to put myself on the spot. I'll take things as they come and hope I get support from bigger yards."

I'd bet Bling gets it.

TURFFONTEIN TOMORROW: PA - 1,11 x 6,15 x 4 x 2,5 x 10 x 3,5,8 x 2,3,5 (R72)

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