We’re incredibly proud to be associated with young star Lyle Hewitson (20) who is set to be the first apprentice to win the national jockey competition since the glory days of Michael “Muis” Roberts who achieved this at the start of his highly rated local and international career.
“Lyle has been a worthy and much appreciated ambassador for Avontuur Estate for nearly two years now and we are truly impressed with this achievement and being part of this wonderful moment as his sponsor,” says Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh.
He bettered an apprentice win record set in 2007 by Gavin Lerena, and previously held for almost 40 years by the legend Michael Roberts, when he registered the 285th victory of his career, getting the fancied Shenanigans home to win the eighth race at the Vaal in March this year.
Michael Roberts, who rode his first winner 48 years before Lyle at the same track, was a fifteen -time champion jockey of South Africa and twice champion jockey of Britain. Champion apprentice Gavin Lerena went on to become SA Champion jockey.
So, it’s no wonder Lyle, who is more than 30 wins ahead of his nearest rival for the annual Jockey of the Year award, is a shoe-in this year.
After extensive work riders experience, Lyle was accepted at the SA Jockey Academy after matriculating at Kearsney College. He had his first ride as a fully-fledged apprentice at Scottsville on 6 March 2016. His first winner came on his third book of rides at Fairview on 18 March 2016 aboard Blizzard Belle.The win was for Yvette Bremner, who was the first person he ever rode work for as a kid. His Dad, ex-jockey Carl, is the assistant at the Bremner yard and the win came in his silks.
