Zimbabwe Jockey Academy
For four years Equestrian Performance mentored four Zimbabwe Apprentice Jockeys through the Zimbabwe Jockey Academy. We headed up their physical training as well as their mental preparation for races. It was our goal that these young athletes go on to dominate the sport locally or abroad. For various reasons including economic hardships, The ZJA closed it's doors for the final time at the end of March 2020.
O'meara has already transferred to The Durban Academy, afterwhich she handed in her indentures and has changed direction by travelling to England to work in racing as a work rider. She was selected as a rider in the 2022 Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood Racing Festival.
Read more here: https://www.goodwood.com/.../qatar-goodwood.../magnolia-cup/
After the Magnolia Cup, she was selected to ride in the Okapi International in South Africa which she went on to win. She is a brilliant ambassador for the Sport of Horseracing
Rodgers went on to win Champion Jockey in Zimbabwe in 2021, a truly momentous achievement.
Through generous partnerships with StrideFree Racing / Peter Horobin Saddlery, Alliance Health - Northern Alliance, Fresh in a Box and other individuals, the remaining Zimbabwe apprentices all attained their licenses!
O'meara Rusike
Swanson Racing
O'meara was the only female Apprentice in Zimbabwe and she is the first women to ever win a race at Borrowdale Park. While she is no longer pursuing a career as a professional Jockey, she is working in England for The Ralph Beckett Stable and will be riding in the 2022 Markel Magnolia Cup!
Rodgers Satombo
Swanson Racing
Rodgers is enjoying a lot of success riding for a few yards in Zimbabwe and was crowned Champion Apprentice in 2020 and Champion Jockey in 2021! His dream is to ride against Franki Dettori one day
Munashe Josi
Stidolph Racing
Munashe won his first race on his 5th start. He is really talented and is getting more rides recently.
Walter Shumba
Thomas Mason Racing
Walter was working with trainer Thomas Mason at Borrowdale Park. He rode quite a few winners including one particularly sterling day with 4 winners before relocating to greener pastures is currently riding work in Japan
Our Partners
With the generous help of several individuals and companies, our apprentices received some generous support in the form of gear, fresh produce, medical aid, photographs for their social media campaigns and funds. We are humbled by the generosity of our partners
For any further information on sponsorship opportunities, collaboration projects or personal information of these young athletes, please click on their pictures which will direct you to their FB pages.
