Joy Beyond Words For Young Makhubo

Apprentice Bongani Makhubo rode his first winner on his sixth attempt when he partnered Queen Braganza (10-1) to victory in a sprint handicap over 1200m at Hollywoodbets Scottsville. His happiness was heart-lifting, a joy to behold.

Bongani’s win delighted Mike, Mathew and Diane de Kock, and everyone else in the stable that worked closely with his father, Abram Makhubo, who passed away in 2012 at the tender age of 36.

Abram, a five-time Champion Work Rider and leading stable groom, travelled with the team to Dubai, Hong Kong and Australia in the mid-2000s, looking after runners like Grey’s Inn, Asiatic Boy and Irridesence. 

Bongani was just a small boy back then, but he recalled watching his dad in work riders races and often visiting the stables at Randjesfontein, where he grew up watching and listening to Mike de Kock. He left school in 2023 because he wanted to be a jockey, and Mike sent him to James Maree’s work riders’ academy. He was too light to ride in races then – only 45kg – but now weighs 50kg. He completed his matric at the South African Jockeys Academy last year and is back in action now following a foot injury.

Bongani said in an interview last year: “Mr De Kock has been a mentor. It was tough at first, learning their training methods and the pace they want horses to run at, but things are coming together now. I can’t wait to ride my first winner, because trainers take you more seriously once they see you can get the job done.”

His big moment finally arrived and Bongani literally lit up the atmosphere at HWV Scottsville with a smile that said it all. He was accompanied to the winner’s box by friends from the Academy - Mxolisi Mbuto, Dezahn Louw and Shelton Sesingi.

“This is a special day I will never forget, and even better because I could do it for Mike and Mathew de Kock” Bongani told interviewer, Deez Dyanand. “It’s very special, I am so happy!”

Queen Braganza landed running and outpaced her rivals. Bongai said: “She travelled very well, I chased her a bit at the 400m mark and she gave me more. Thanks to the De Kock team, the Academy, the owners who gave me this chance, and my mother and sisters watching back home.”

Queen Braganza is a Riethuiskraal-bred  by Potala Palace out of Catherineofaragon. She races in the silks of Jayson and Preshalin Murugasa.