IJC Another Crowning Moment for Khumalo

S’Manga Khumalo had never seen a horse–much less a horse race–as a 14-year-old boy growing up as one of five children in the Durban township of Kwa Mashu in South Africa, a region not necessarily known for its peace and quiet. A short and light-framed young boy, Khumalo was intrigued when his school was visited by a talent scout from the South African jockeys’ academy. Suddenly, his size, or lack thereof, became an asset, as he began to explore a career as a rider. 

Some 15 years and nearly 900 winners later, Khumalo is set to show off his ample skills in Wednesday’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong. 

“I’ve wanted to ride in Hong Kong for a long time, and I’ve had a smile on my face ever since I got this invitation,” said Khumalo. “To go out there and show your talent alongside jockeys you had admired from the TV screen really is something I never even dreamed would happen.” 

Having opened his career in the far-easier environs of Zimbabwe, Khumalo has steadily risen through the ranks and celebrated his crowning moment last year, becoming the first black jockey to win the prestigious G1 Durban July S. 

“It felt like that first winner all over again and I was ecstatic and emotional,” he offered.

Khumalo made more history by becoming the first black champion jockey in South Africa and sits in second position for the current season. Now just 29, he has created a persona of his own, his blonde hair, diamond stud earrings and a variety of tattoos making him instantly recognizable. The 29-year-old admits to employing techniques by some of the other top riders in the country. 

“I tried to blend the techniques of the three of my heroes–Piere Strydom, Weichong Marwing and Anthony Delpech,” he admits. 

And while he is currently penciled in just for the IJC, next week, the obviously confident Khumalo adds, “I’ll still be in Hong Kong for the Longines HKIR and if you want to see what S’manga Khumalo can do, I’m available.”