Summerhill Gallops
(Photo : Annet Becker)
READY TO RUN GALLOPS AT SUMMERHILL
16 OCTOBER 2009
Prince Mdunjane – Is a very talented rider and has been schooling Ready To Run horses at Summerhill Stud for the past 5 years. His pick of all the graduates from the 2005 Ready To Run sale was DESERT LINKS. Somehow Prince knew this horse was something special. Then by winning the Canon Gold Cup G1, DESERT LINKS proved it to the rest of the world, how special he was. Prince is one of our candidates for the Derrinstown Stud (Ireland) exchange program in 2010.
Maxwell Riyani – is an experienced rider and has a way with young horses. He has worked with horses such as ICY AIR – Equus Champion Classic Female (9 wins inc 2nd J&B Met G1) and Galant Gagnant, who put up an amazing finish in the 2007 G1, Daily News 2000, running 2nd to RUSSIAN SAGE. Maxwell is very excited about this year’s draft and says there is definitely a champion or two lurking in this string.
Thokozani Dlungwane - has been a part of the Summerhill Ready To Run team for many years and has turned out some outstanding racehorses. He has a natural ability when it comes to schooling these youngsters and it shows on the race tracks all over South Africa. Over the last couple of years he’s ridden the likes of Tap Tap, Ithala and Fork Lightening. Thokozani knows what to look for in a top RTR horse and opted to school and breeze last year’s winner of the EMPERORS PALACE READY TO RUN CUP, SMANGALISO (by Kahal).
Amos Khwetu – comes from an old Xhosa family and is a natural with animals. He is an optimistic, happy rider who is always smiling and keeping his fellow riders cheerful. He has lovely hands and is extremely well balanced. His positive attitude brings out the best in these young racehorses.
Thabiso Mgoza – A new young member to our team. He is a natural horseman and shows great talent in riding and working with the young stock. Thabiso has an eye for potential and will be a rider to watch out for in the years to come.
John Motaung – Has just returned from riding for Sequel Bloodstock in USA and is very impressed with this year’s draft. He selected Havasha in the 2008 Ready To Run sale, as his no.1 colt, Havasha starts as one of the favourites for the EMPERORS PALACE READY TO RUN CUP this year. John has been with us for many years and has an eye for an athlete; he also picked and rode one of the top sprinters of 2006, FANYANA.
Sibusiso Shabalala – Has an unusual connection with horses and breaks in all of our young stock. He is a man of a few words and lots of patience. He rode the very impressive 2008 Ready To Run graduate, Fisani through last year’s Ready To Run preparation.
Mthokozi Sithole – A new member on our team but has huge potential and talent. His young racehorses he’s been schooling are bound to reward his efforts on South African race tracks in the years to come.
Siyabonga Bhengu – A promising young rider who wants to make a career as a jockey. Last year he brought along some promising up and coming young race horses, such as: Mahubo and Ashjaan, both candidates for this year’s R1.5 Million EMPERORS PALACE READY TO RUN CUP.
Justin Andrews - the son of Terry and Annabel Andrews, owners of Sorrento Stud in the Cape, has been helping us prepare the 2-year-olds for this year’s Breeze-ups. He is usually seen riding work for Glen Kotzen in Cape Town and has a natural way with the young stock. Justin has also been a great help in the strings, giving the younger riders some good tips and bringing along some backward horses.
The following young men were born on this farm and are riders that we have taught to ride from the minute they could walk. They are scholars at the local school and ride for us every opportunity they get. They are three up and coming young riders we are very excited to have them flying our flag today:
Sizwe Nkabini
Bheki Ndawonde
Sandile Booysen
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 12:03AM 
