Umlazi To The Emerald Isle
The weather is ‘a lot cooler’ than Durban, he is excited about the new challenge, and hey, guess what, there seems to be no loadshedding!
That was the initial thoughts of Sporting Post-sponsored jockey Calvin Ngcobo who touched down at Dublin Airport on Thursday evening to continue his career in Ireland.
The Umlazi-born 27 year old said things had happened quickly after getting the offer to ride for former jumps jockey Kevin Coleman in Tipperary, Ireland.
Speaking to the Sporting Post shortly after settling in at his new boss’ home, Calvin, who attended the International Apprentice Course at the British Racing School campus in Newmarket with colleague Diego de Gouveia in 2017, said that while he would miss his family, he was excited at the opportunity to further his career prospects in a top-rate racing jurisdiction like Ireland.
“I have been to Britain, but this is my first trip to Ireland, and while it’s a bit cold, the people are friendly and I am prepared and very ready to give it my best shot. I will be staying with Mr Coleman and his family until my flat is ready.”
Calvin is a graduate of the South African Jockey Academy, which he joined in 2011.
He rode his first winner as a greenhorn second year apprentice at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday 1 February 2015 on a horse called Rainier, trained by Michael Roberts, a man the older generation will probably have heard of in Ireland!
After a disrupted apprenticeship and an injury-enforced four year absence from the saddle, Calvin has developed into a balanced rider.
The son of a teacher and caterer, the Wentworth High graduate has overcome the odds
A single man and non-smoker, Calvin says he is geared on doing well.
“I want to make my family and South Africa proud. What an opportunity!” he added excitedly.
He expects to have his first ride in a matter of weeks once all of his clearances are through.
A relatively new player in the training ranks, Kevin Coleman reportedly retired from race-riding in his 20’s as a result of injury, weight struggles, and a lack of big-race opportunities.
After pursuing a third-level education, he obtained a sports science degree and returned to racing as a trainer.
Coleman is currently based at a purpose-built yard in Carrick-on-Suir. The Sporting Post will endeavour to interview him in the next few weeks and we will track the Durbanite’s progress.
