Durban jockey, Muzi Yeni, believes that he has a chance to win the leading horse race on the African continent, the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The jockey (39), who hails from Clermont, is one of the horses that will compete in the Durban July race next Saturday, July 4, at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
He was speaking yesterday at the presentation ceremony of the 18 horses that will compete for the Durban July title where the winning horse will walk away with a stake of R6 million.
In 2024, Yeni finished third in this race riding Royal Victory, and last year he finished fourth on the same horse trained by Nathan Kotzen.
This year he will be managing another experienced horse, Gladatorian, who is trained by Stuart Ferrie. They will start the race on the eighth lane, which is a place that puts them in a position to be counted against the horses that will come out ahead.
Last year the horse finished seventh and was ridden by Sean Veale.
“This race has never been easy, but there have been many changes this year. Many horses ended up withdrawing for different reasons, and it ended up being the case that I found a high-quality horse. I am very happy with it and we will start the race on a good track in eighth place,” said Yeni.
“It has become normal for me to be among the top five finishers but I have never won this competition. I hope that this time things will change.”
S’manga Khumalo was the first black jockey to win the race riding Heavy Metal in 2013, and took it again when he took control of Sparkling Water in 2023.
Then in 2023 Kabelo Matsunyane became the second black jockey to come out on top riding Winchester Mansion.
Yeni said he would be happy to follow in the footsteps of those jockeys he learned a lot from.
“My colleague S’manga made history by winning this race, and Kabelo followed him. I also want to be counted with them. There are many big races that I have won in this country and abroad but it would be good to be in the history books of Durban July, to promote my name in horse racing in this country,” continued Yeni.
Horses to enter this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July: Isivivane, 2. Regulation, 3. The Ultimate King, 4. Star Major, 5. Legal Counsel, 6. Hazy Dazy, 7. Wish List, 8. Gladatorian, 9. Viva’s Liberte, 10. Native Ruler, 11. Note To Self, 12. Zeitz, 13. Mocha Blend, 14. I Salute You, 15. Olivia’s Way, 16. Minogue, 17. King Pelles 18. Aladdin’s Lamp.
Horses should be dressed like that: 19. Choisanada 20. Curious Girl.