Q & A With Jockey Billy Jacobson – Joint Log Leader Of The KZN Breeders “Level The Playing Fields”
Billy Jacobson opened his account in the first leg of the KZN Breeders “Level The Playing Fields” Series by winning aboard Putchini in a brilliant race with a nail-biting finish. Billy was fortunate to be on a horse he had placed on three times previously for Yellow Star Stud and owner Ashley De Klerk.
Billy and Athandiwe Mgudlwa top the log currently and both jockeys are on horses for Sunday’s second leg with a serious shout in the first pool of the day at Scottsville over 1400m. The next leg will be run on 27 May over 1600m.
What is your full name and age, where you live and your family?
Bill Jacobson 36 I am a family man. Mel and I live in Assagay, Hillcrest, with our 3 fur kids. I am extremely close with my family and consider family to be very important.
What sparked your interest to become a jockey?
My Dad Alan Jacobson has been in the racing game all his life, he has owned many race horses, racing is in our blood. I remember as a little boy going to track and my god fathers stable, Cliffie Otto.
How long have you been a full qualified jockey and how many winners have you ridden so far?
I qualified in 2001 and left for Dubai, the traveling bud bit and from there I raced all over the world from Dubai, Quatar, France, Spain and Mauritius. I’m not 100% sure how many winners but definitely not enough.
Tell us what are the challenges of your job and what do you enjoy the most about it?
There are many Challenges in this game, my biggest one is getting decent rides. There is NO loyalty in the racing.
What has been the proudest moment of your life so far?
Building my home.
Have you got any horses or rides that have really stood out for a special reason?
I rode a lot of winners for my dad and a very special horse called Soldiers field. I rode Safwan in the July for Mr De kock.
What do you like to do in your off time or to relax?
Mel and I take our dogs for long walks.
Tell us something about yourself that the public doesnt know?
I have a second job by offering Handy man services. So if you looking I can offer you a competitive quote.
Do you have any interests or hobbies apart from racing?
Surfing, wake boarding, kite surfing. Put me in water and I’m a happy guy. And Building.
Who is your biggest supporter when it comes to racing?
My Mom for sure. And my late friend Greame Wood.
Would you like to give us your thoughts on the concept of the Level The Playing Fields Series?
I love it!! Because it gives the guys that don’t get to many chances a go. This Series lives up to its name, “Level Playing Fields.”
Billy Jacobson will be aboard The Poet in the first pool of the second leg to be run over 1400m on Sunday. The Poet is a big runner which could see Billy maintain his lead at the top of the log. The handsome son of Brave Tin Soldier bred by Bush Hill Stud is owned by Mr Trevor & Mrs Robin Denman and trained by Mark Dixon.
The five year old gelding out of Jallad mare Snippety Snip has won and placed from his last six starts – two of them very close seconds. In total The Poet has placed 12 times and won twice.
Watch the two pools on Sunday at Scottsville to find out who will be the winners and look out for the Logs next week on kznbreeders.co.za.
