Savanna Valjalo’s first win as an apprentice was on the Gareth van Zyl-trained K M V Retrofit (Royal Mo). She was in the colours worn by the Equus Champion Stayer King Pelles and the win could not have been for a more passionate group of owners, Ravi Padayachee’s Lucky Vest 12 CC Syndicate
Savanna Valjalo’s foray into the South African racing industry has been dream-like, because having gone from somebody who had never been in a race before to taking advice and training hard to take part in just one race, the Okapi Ladies International Maiden Plate on L’Ormarins King’s Plate day in 2024, she was riding in professional races about 16 months later.
She described winning the Okapi Ladies International (on the Justin Snaith-trained Gravity) by two lengths as “the best day of my life” and as a “dream come true”.
She did have a head start as she had been in showjumping for some 22 years before that first ever race ride, despite only being 26 years old at the time.
She then started riding in workriders races and won the second of them and had one more win in another handful of rides before joining the South African Jockeys Academy.
It took her just five months to complete the requirements to ride in races and one month later in her eleventh professional ride she won on the Gareth van Zyl-trained K M V Retrofit in a 1200m event on the Hollywoodbets Greyville poly on June 25 last year.
She must have been living in a dream bubble and had accumulated another 15 wins until an announcement was made this morning that she was stepping away from her apprenticeship.
So all in all she has had 19 wins, three in the amateur ranks and 16 in the professional ranks.
Her overall statistics as a 4kg claiming apprentice was 16 wins in 172 rides for a strike rate of 9.30%.
Her riding skills were still work in progress and who knows whether she would have made it or not, suffice to say it is an ultra tough profession that requires extreme dedication and only a select few ever make it to the top.
She will have a wealth of exciting experiences in race-riding to look back on, including a 1,30 length fourth in the Grand Heritage over 1475m on the Corrie Lensley-trained 100/1 shot Sonic Jet.
She is sure to excel in whatever path she next chooses and no prizes for guessing that it will still be in the equestrian industry.
The announcement made by the South African Jockeys Academy this morning can be read below:
Cancellation of Indentures: Apprentice Jockey Savanna Valjalo
It is with great respect and understanding that the South African Jockey Academy (SAJA) announces the cancellation of the indentures of second year apprentice jockey Savanna Valjalo, following her personal decision to step away from the apprenticeship at this time.
Savanna joined the South African Jockey Academy in January 2025 and, within a remarkable five-month period, successfully completed the requirements to sign her racing papers and was cleared to ride in races.
Just one month later, she recorded her first career winner.
As at the end of January 2026, Savanna had accumulated a total of 16 career wins, reflecting consistent performance and competitive capability during her time as an apprentice.
After careful reflection, Savanna made the decision to pursue a different path aligned with her personal goals and wellbeing.
This decision is made with the utmost respect for SAJA and the racing industry, both of which she remains deeply grateful to for the opportunities, guidance, and support she received during her time at the Academy.
Savanna has expressed her heartfelt thanks to SAJA’s management, riding masters, staff, and supporters, acknowledging the role they played in her development and the experiences she will always value.
While she steps away from her apprenticeship, Savanna will remain part of the broader equestrian community, continuing her connection to horses, riding, and following the sport she holds close to her heart.
The South African Jockey Academy is proud of what Savanna achieved in her time with us and wishes her every success, fulfilment, and happiness in her future endeavours.
