August 26 - While it's no secret that South African thoroughbreds, trainers and jockeys can hold their own anywhere in the world, it's always nice to hear when a South African conquers racing in a distant land, like jockey Muzi Yeni.

When the talented young South African was invited to take part in the International Jockeys Invitational at Seoul Race Park in South Korea on August 21 and 22 this year, he leaped at the opportunity to represent South Africa abroad.

Yeni and jockeys from the U.S., Japan, Ireland, Australia and Turkey competed against six top Korean jockeys in four night races on sand. And despite not winning a race for the international team, Yeni was eager to show off his skills.

So he snagged himself a mount in race 10 one evening on a 12/1 longshot called, wait for it, BOGIDEONGGULJJAE. When the race got underway, young Yeni took control and dominated the race, crossing the line first by five lengths.

Sporting his trademark grin, when Yeni was lead into the winner's circle there was little doubt that he was representing South Africa with pride, and is fitting example of the kind of high caliber riding talent that is coming out of the country.

Said National Horse Racing Authority director Robert Bloomberg, 'Muzi Yeni is a talented and hard-working jockey who is enjoying his best season of his career this year. He is in the Top 10 on the log, and is approaching 100 winners.

'He's even ahead of top SA jockeys like Bernard Fay'd Herbe, Karl Neisius, Richard Fourie and Gavin Lerena,' continued Bloomberg. 'He handles himself well with the media and I can't think of anyone more deserving to have gone to Korea.'

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2011/12/09 12:47:23 AM