Today in History: The best jokey in S.A is born

Michael “Muis” Roberts, South Africa’s best jockey was born on this day, 17 May 1954 in the mother city, Cape Town. Here are a few facts of one of the most renowned jockeys:

• Roberts was nicknamed “Muis”, due to his petite physique when he registered as a member of the South African Jockey Academy in Shongweni, Pinetown, Durban, as a fourteen year old boy who stood a mere 1,32 metres tall.

• Michael won the South African national jockey title for 11 times in a row, before immigrating to England in 1978.

• One of the biggest honours in Robert’s life was meeting the Queen Elisabeth II, after winning the King George and Q.E Stakes.

• At the age of 48, Muis retired after a severe neck injury, he sustained during a fall in the United Kingdom in 2001.

• Roberts became the first South Africa, jockey or horse to appear on the cover of the elite magazine called, “The Blood-Horse”.