Malesela Keratile Katjedi scored his first double as a fully fledged jockey at the Vaal today when bringing home the Fabian Habib-trained Vegas Hi Rise (JC Photos)
Malesela Katjedi became a fully fledged jockey just seven days ago and celebrated with a double today at the Vaal.
It was his second meeting since becoming a qualified jockey and these were his first two winners since completing his apprenticeship.
He extracted a strong finish from the Billy Ruiters-trained Full Go (Admiral Kitten) to win the third over 1700m and later won over 1200m on the Fabian Habib-trained Vegas Hi Rise (Vercingetorix).
The South African Jockey Academy were thrilled when Malesela qualified.
They put out the following notice seven days ago.
We are thrilled to announce that Malesela Keratile Katjedi has officially qualified as a professional jockey today, marking the culmination of an impressive apprenticeship that includes 73 career wins.
Originally from Naboomspruit, Limpopo, Keratile has just completed his fifth year at the Academy. This achievement is particularly significant for Keratile, driven by the memory of his late father, ‘LJ’ Katjedi, and inspired by his grandfather, Amos Katjedi, who introduced him to the world of horse racing when he was just ten years old.
Keratile joined the Academy in 2020, and his journey has been marked by notable achievements. A highlight of his apprenticeship came on the 2nd of October 2022, when he rode a four-timer at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. He concluded his apprenticeship with exceptional success, being awarded the Highveld Feature Season Champion Apprentice and Highveld Apprentice Champion titles and securing a victory aboard FULL GO trained by Billy Ruiters, at Vaal Racecourse on the 25th of July 2024—his final race as an apprentice.
As Malesela Keratile Katjedi transitions into his new role as a professional jockey, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.
His journey reflects remarkable dedication, skill, and the enduring legacy of his father.
“LJ” Katjedi, father of Malesela, had immense promise and was a huge loss to the industry when his life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2006.
“LJ” gave up a career as computer programmer to follow his dream.
He joined the SA Jockeys Academy in 2003.
By the following December he had already ridden 50 winners and had the world at his feet.
He had been a professional jockey for just eight days at the time of his passing.
