Mayhew Ready For Take-Off | Sporting Post

The son of a trainer and brother-in-law of one of our exported jockey talents, 18 year old Trent Mayhew’s family ties to horse racing coupled with the fact that he has competed in Workrider races before has meant he has settled in seamlessly to the hardships of life at the SA Jockey Academy.

The Sporting contribution He met the suave Vereeniging-born rider on a recent visit to Summerveld and we couldn’t help but be impressed by his maturity and confident nature.

Just as Lyle Hewitson and Calvin Habib rose through the workrider ranks, Trent Mayhew presents a living example of the “for” debate – that of the alternative school of thought that proposes that aspiring jockeys should be allowed to choose their careers when they are mature and older , to do that.

When he arrived at the Academy in January 2023, Trent said that getting up at Sparrow and mucking out stables was nothing new to him. After all, his father Craig has been training racehorses for many years, his sister Kelsey Mayhew-Munger has beaten the male riders in the workrider ranks and his brother-in-law Ryan has been getting the Woodbine racecourse going since he moved to Canada earlier this year.

“I was lucky enough to have learned to ride and to grow up in a horse family. I started competing in Workrider races in June 2021. And although I’m subject to all the routines of the first year, as a more mature person who understands horses and racing a little better, I probably find things easier to deal with than my younger peers.”

Trainer Garth Puller has been a source of support and guidance for a variety of trainees over the years, and tells us young Mayhew is “showing promise” aside from a bit of professional teasing and teasing.

It’s early days – Trent is still in qualifying and has only completed four professional rides under the rules, his first on Canford Ice for Robbie Hill at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on June 17.

We asked the Sasolburg High School graduate to give us some insight into the difference between the Workriders and the few pro races he’s competed in.

“I would say the pace is significantly different. You just feel that the intensity is greater. “That’s not to say there aren’t some top-flight riders in the amateur ranks,” he adds thoughtfully.

Trent’s girlfriend lives in Johannesburg, but he says he personally enjoys the atmosphere and friendliness of Durban.

“In the mornings I follow work in Summerveld. The trainers are really friendly and nice. It’s a good vibe and atmosphere. I’ve had some good advice and guidance from Mr Garth Puller, Mr Robbie Hill and Mr Michael Roberts – all of them coincidentally gentlemen who ran ring to ring in their spare time as young apprentices! And then I have to mention Mr and Mrs Fortune in the Vaal – they did so much to encourage and motivate me.”

Trent tells us he’s friends with “everyone” at the academy, but has relied on his brother-in-law Ryan Munger, Calvin Habib and Kyle Strydom for riding advice and critical feedback.

It’s quite large, although it doesn’t single out anyone taller than Rachel Venniker, for example.

“I weigh 53.5 kg and claim to weigh 4 kg. I’ve been fortunate to get some nice, high-end rides. My first goal now is to break the ice and ride my first winner. In the new season, it will then be a matter of living up to my aspirations and placing in the top 5 in the list of apprentices.”

We asked about the acting master’s apprentice Rachel Venniker.

“Rachel is made of steel and doesn’t have to step down for any of the guys. She’s tough and top notch. I have great admiration for her breakthrough in a male-dominated, tough profession.”

When asked about his personal lifestyle and eating habits, Trent says he eats a low-carb diet and “can’t go crazy about burgers and beer”!

“I’ve never been a big eater, so it’s not really a big stress. I enjoy a bit of soccer and the gym to keep in shape and stay active.”

And what does he do for fun?

“I’m not a party animal – the academy is strict and you can’t party and then expect to get up at 4am and go to work!” I like a bit of hip hop and rap music. People like Eminem for example,” he smiles.

And a nickname? “Nothing yet!” We suggested Eminem or Slim Shady. He laughs!

When asked about his career aspirations, Trent says he’s determined to keep his feet on the ground and build the foundations of his career right.

“Championship titles and international racing opportunities are on most of our professional wish lists. But that’s for the future. Right now I can learn and absorb a lot from so many experienced people around me. I’m so lucky to have this opportunity!”