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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S first female jockey O’meara Chiedza Rusike said she is happy with her progress and is looking forward to a good outing when she returns to L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day at Hollywood Bets Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town, South Africa, this Saturday.
A Zimbabwe Jockey Academy graduate where she took up horse racing at a tender age, Rusike managed to take part in the Mongolia Cup in the United Kingdom and will return to the field this Saturday in South Africa.
Rusike, who is now part of the Drankenstein Stud, partners Pacific Green, who is trained by Justin Snaith.
“I am happy to announce that I have been chosen to participate in the Okapi International Ladies Race sponsored by Okapi and Merchants. The race will take place on the January 7 at Hollywood Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town, South Africa.
“A special thank you to Goodwood races for sponsoring me with the flight expenses and also thank you to Mrs Rupert for the donation she also made towards my flight expenses.
“I’m also exited to ride with Sam Ryan who also is still in need of help with her flight expenses,” said Rusike.
The jockey was pleased with her performances last year and is hopeful she will start the new season on a high note.
“It has been a tough year being far away from home and adjusting to the weather but despite that, it ended up being the best of a lifetime.
“I participated in the Magnolia Cup and made some amazing new friends and connections in British horse-racing.
“I am happy to announce that I will be starting the new year in style, participating in the Okapi Ladies Race on L’Ormarins King’s Plate Day at Hollywood Bets Kenilworth.
“So many amazing people have helped me along the way and I am very thankful for their continuous support.
“A big thank you to Mrs Rupert and Mr Snaith for giving me a ride. This is a horse that I worked with and helped break in as a yearling during my time at Drankenstein Stud Farm. I’m so excited to be a part of the exciting race,” said Rusike.
Orphaned at a young age, Rusike’s journey to the racetrack started in 2016 when she responded to an advertisement from December of the previous year.
Being a jockey was a calling because she knew nothing about it, except for Zimbabwe’s big race, the OK Grand Challenge.
The 25-year-old never looked back on the programme which is rigorous as apprentices must adapt to a mainly vegetarian diet to maintain the required weight that ranges between 46kgs to 48kgs.
Online Reporter