Search
Cheltenham 2024
- Main Site
- Cheltenham Home
- Cheltenham Cards
- Cheltenham Results
- Cheltenham Offers
- Cheltenham Odds
- Cheltenham Tips
- Cheltenham News
- Prestbury Cup
- Cheltenham Videos
-
Cheltenham Statistics
- Leading Trainer
- Leading Jockeys
- Leading Owners
- Previous Years
- Previous Appearances
- Breeding Profile of Winners
- Lady Jockeys at The Festival
- Leading Jockey Award Winners
- Most Successful Jockeys of All Time
- Current Jockeys Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Jockey In..
- Leading Trainer Award Winners
- Most Successfull Trainer All Time
- Current Trainers Competing at Cheltenham
- Most Successful Trainer In..
- Cheltenham Trainer/Runner Index
- Desktop Site
Cheltenham 2024
- Home
- News
Gary Carson
South African jockey Mjoka scores on Soldier
Mpumelelo Mjoka with Fleetfootsoldier and trainer Kevin Coleman (right)
© Photo Healy Racing
The Kevin Coleman-trained Fleetfootsoldier stuck his head out gamely to prevail in a tight finish to the mile handicap for three-year-olds at Dundalk.
It was a first ride in Ireland for South African jockey Mpumelelo Mjoka and he produced his mount to dispute passing the two pole.
The Footstepsinthesand gelding had narrow lead over a furlong from home and was soon strongly pressed. Knockmore Prince was the biggest danger in the closing stages as he came to join the eventual winner, who rallied late on for a neck success.
The 12/1 winner had finished mid-division on his handicap debut when last seen at the track just before Christmas.
Coleman said of the winning rider: "This lad is good, he's had 80 something winners. He's a good rider.
"I got two good jockeys from South Africa - Calvin Ngcobo has ridden plenty of winners as well. They work for me. I sourced them, I watched them. The standard in South Africa is quite good.
"I approached plenty of guys and these two guys were on the list. Calvin rode Red Vermillion here about a month ago. They are only here about a month.
"We will try and get them a few outside rides, but it is tough in Ireland."
(Quotes by Michael Graham)