Heversham Park Stud of South Gauteng have announced their sponsorship of fourth-year apprentice Siphesihle Hlengwa.
The stud’s support of the 19-year-old Durbanite will commence on 1 May 2023 and run concurrently with their sponsorship of Gauteng-based Siyanda Sosibo.
Fresh-faced Siphesihle, a natural light weight who pulls the scale at 50,5kg, has ridden 43 career winners and his immediate objective is to get to the 50-winner mark so he can lose his claim.
He said: “I am keen to get that out of the way, the sooner the better. As apprentices it becomes harder to get rides when you lose your claim but I firmly believe I will remain competitive. I will work harder and make it happen.”
Siphesihle rides work at Summerveld for as many trainers as possible, and his day starts at 430 am.
“Mr Mike Miller string is first out and I start with him before moving on to other trainers.”
He rides most often for Paul Lafferty, Michael Roberts, Alyson Wright and Garth Puller and said that he had learnt, and keeps learning, from all of them.
Siphesihle has not styled himself on any of the senior riders, but has plenty of respect for all his colleagues, especially S’Manga Khumalo and Calvin Habib.
“I was Calvin’s kit boy before he left for Singapore. He is a wonderful person and a gentleman. Al the senior riders try to help us and have concern for us each other which is something I appreciate.”
He gets to sit on some top horses in work, and mentioned Garth Puller’s Captain Fontane as the best he has ridden.
“In a race, I think Mr Lafferty’s filly Bella Sicome is the most talented horse I’ve ridden in a race, one to watch for the rest of the season.”
Siphesihle said about his sponsorship: “I am privileged and thankful for the opportunity and I hope to be a good ambassador for Heversham Park.”
Kat Riley of Heversham Park commented: “Siphesihle’s sponsorship is a part of our commitment to empowerment and nurturing talent. Our farm manager, Japhta Kghaphola, came to us as a student from Equine College three years ago and has made notable progress.”
*Heversham Park is situated off RandVaal Road in South Gauteng. The stud is the home to stallions Jackson (SAF), Moofeed (AUS) and soon Capetown Noir (SAF). Go to www.hevershampark.co.za