Michael Roberts
Michael Leonard Roberts was born in Cape Town's Grotte Shuur Hospital on May 17, 1954. His father, Leonard, was a railway worker - his mother, Magdalena, already entertaining vague ideas of her first-born entering the priesthood, later gave Michael three brothers, Gerhardus, James and Charles, who was also destined to become a jockey.
Michael Leonard Roberts was born in Cape Town's Grotte Shuur Hospital on May 17, 1954. His father, Leonard, was a railway worker - his mother, Magdalena, already entertaining vague ideas of her first-born entering the priesthood, later gave Michael three brothers, Gerhardus, James and Charles, who was also destined to become a jockey.
He attended the Susanna Fourie Primary School in Despatch, excelling at maths. While his brothers preferred the seaside, Michael's love of animals saw him spend each school holiday on his grandfather's farm.
He attended the Susanna Fourie Primary School in Despatch, excelling at maths. While his brothers preferred the seaside, Michael's love of animals saw him spend each school holiday on his grandfather's farm.
It was Michael's father's uncle, a stud manager in the Cape, who got him interested in racing. England has the Derby, South Africa has the July Handicap, and young Michael - already a competent donkey-rider on the farm - began collecting photos of its famous winners.
It was Michael's father's uncle, a stud manager in the Cape, who got him interested in racing. England has the Derby, South Africa has the July Handicap, and young Michael - already a competent donkey-rider on the farm - began collecting photos of its famous winners.
On June 1, 1965, Michael entered the South African Jockeys' Academy at Marianhill, outside Durban. So rapid was his progress that, on 30 August 1969, shortly after his fifteenth birthday, he made his racecourse debut. Riding Smyrna in a six-furlong fillies' maiden at Scottsville, he made every yard of the running to record his first win.
On June 1, 1965, Michael entered the South African Jockeys' Academy at Marianhill, outside Durban. So rapid was his progress that, on 30 August 1969, shortly after his fifteenth birthday, he made his racecourse debut. Riding Smyrna in a six-furlong fillies' maiden at Scottsville, he made every yard of the running to record his first win.
In that debut season of 1969 - 70, he rode seventeen winners; in 1970 -71 he won fifty-nine races, including his first four-timer, at Greyville in April. His rise up the ranks continued unabated: he rode a further seventy-four winners including his first major victory, Glenever in the Smirnoff Plate. He became the South African champion jockey the following season with 121 winning rides. Michael went on to retain his title ten times, winning, in doing so, virtually every big race.
In that debut season of 1969 - 70, he rode seventeen winners; in 1970 -71 he won fifty-nine races, including his first four-timer, at Greyville in April. His rise up the ranks continued unabated: he rode a further seventy-four winners including his first major victory, Glenever in the Smirnoff Plate. He became the South African champion jockey the following season with 121 winning rides. Michael went on to retain his title ten times, winning, in doing so, virtually every big race.
In October 1977, Michael was contacted by the 37-year-old Berkshire trainer, Gavin Hunter. Would Michael like to come over for six months? Michael, his wife Verna and baby daughter arrived at Heathrow on 7 March 1978. He made his English debut at Kempton Park on Saturday, March 25. Riding Super Symphony in the Queen's Prize, he finished eighth in a field of eleven.
In October 1977, Michael was contacted by the 37-year-old Berkshire trainer, Gavin Hunter. Would Michael like to come over for six months? Michael, his wife Verna and baby daughter arrived at Heathrow on 7 March 1978. He made his English debut at Kempton Park on Saturday, March 25. Riding Super Symphony in the Queen's Prize, he finished eighth in a field of eleven.
His first British winner - and the 901st of his own - came on April 3 when he forced Pakeha home in the last stride at Ayr: that first season, riding 25 winners from 293 mounts, he seemed to be on his way, but, in 1978, he had become totally disillusioned. Gavin's horses weren't particularly good that year and Michael struggled to find outside rides as owners only wanted jockeys they knew. Then the press turned against him: there was resentment of a foreign jockey taking rides off others. He returned to South Africa. Gavin, never able to crack the big league, relinquished his licence in 1985.
His first British winner - and the 901st of his own - came on April 3 when he forced Pakeha home in the last stride at Ayr: that first season, riding 25 winners from 293 mounts, he seemed to be on his way, but, in 1978, he had become totally disillusioned. Gavin's horses weren't particularly good that year and Michael struggled to find outside rides as owners only wanted jockeys they knew. Then the press turned against him: there was resentment of a foreign jockey taking rides off others. He returned to South Africa. Gavin, never able to crack the big league, relinquished his licence in 1985.
This was the year that Michael, then 31, decided to give England another go. It was a good move. After buying Lester Piggott's flat in Newmarket in 1986, he rode 42 winners from 324 rides, including 20 for Alec Stewart (from 100 rides) and 10 for Clive Brittain. His winning total rose to 74 from 554 rides the following season, and he was on his way.
This was the year that Michael, then 31, decided to give England another go. It was a good move. After buying Lester Piggott's flat in Newmarket in 1986, he rode 42 winners from 324 rides, including 20 for Alec Stewart (from 100 rides) and 10 for Clive Brittain. His winning total rose to 74 from 554 rides the following season, and he was on his way.
Michael - familiarly called Muis - became the Champion jockey of England in 1992, riding 206 winners.
Michael - familiarly called Muis - became the Champion jockey of England in 1992, riding 206 winners.
His career was abruptly ended when he crushed vertebrae in his neck when Out Of Sight fell at Wolverhampton in September 2001.
His career was abruptly ended when he crushed vertebrae in his neck when Out Of Sight fell at Wolverhampton in September 2001.
Worldwide, he had ridden over 3,000 winners.
Worldwide, he had ridden over 3,000 winners.
Classic winners:
Classic winners:
Two Thousand Guineas: Mystiko (1991)
Two Thousand Guineas: Mystiko (1991)
Oaks: Intrepidity (1993)
Oaks: Intrepidity (1993)
Other big wins include:
Other big wins include:
1986: Royal Lodge Stakes - Bengal Fire
1986: Royal Lodge Stakes - Bengal Fire
1986: Queen's Vase - Stavordale
1986: Queen's Vase - Stavordale
1987: Chester Cup - Just David
1987: Chester Cup - Just David
1987: Brigadier Gerard Stakes - Mtoto
1987: Brigadier Gerard Stakes - Mtoto
1987: Diomed Stakes - Lauries Warrior
1987: Diomed Stakes - Lauries Warrior
1987: Eclipse Stakes - Mtoto
1987: Eclipse Stakes - Mtoto
1987: Schweppes Golden Mile – Waajib
1987: Schweppes Golden Mile – Waajib
1987: Ebor Handicap - Daarkom
1987: Ebor Handicap - Daarkom
1988: European Free Handicap - Lapierre
1988: European Free Handicap - Lapierre
1988: Nell Gwyn Stakes - Ghariba
1988: Nell Gwyn Stakes - Ghariba
1988: Diomed Stakes - Waajib
1988: Diomed Stakes - Waajib
1988: Queen Anne Stakes - Waajib
1988: Queen Anne Stakes - Waajib
1988: Prince of Wales's Stakes - Mtoto
1988: Prince of Wales's Stakes - Mtoto
1988: Cork and Orrery Stakes - Posada
1988: Cork and Orrery Stakes - Posada
1988: Northumberland Plate - Stavordale
1988: Northumberland Plate - Stavordale
1988: Eclipse Stakes - Mtoto
1988: Eclipse Stakes - Mtoto
1988: King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes - Mtoto
1988: King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes - Mtoto
1988: Lowther Stakes - Miss Demure
1988: Lowther Stakes - Miss Demure
1988: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Top Class
1988: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Top Class
1988: May Hill Stakes - Tessla
1988: May Hill Stakes - Tessla
1988: Kiveton Park Stakes - Salse
1988: Kiveton Park Stakes - Salse
1988: Royal Lodge Stakes - High Estate
1988: Royal Lodge Stakes - High Estate
1988: Sun Chariot Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1988: Sun Chariot Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1988: Middle Park Stakes - Mon Tresor
1988: Middle Park Stakes - Mon Tresor
1988: Challenge Stakes - Salse
1988: Challenge Stakes - Salse
1988: Champion Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1988: Champion Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1990: Cheshire Oaks - Pharian
1990: Cheshire Oaks - Pharian
1990: Ormonde Stakes - Braashee
1990: Ormonde Stakes - Braashee
1990: Yorkshire Cup - Braashee
1990: Yorkshire Cup - Braashee
1990: Ascot Stakes - Retouch
1990: Ascot Stakes - Retouch
1990: Princess Margaret Stakes - Cloche d'Or
1990: Princess Margaret Stakes - Cloche d'Or
1990: Doncaster Cup - Al Maheb
1990: Doncaster Cup - Al Maheb
1991: Earl of Sefton Stakes - Terimon
1991: Earl of Sefton Stakes - Terimon
1991: European Free Handicap - Mystiko
1991: European Free Handicap - Mystiko
1991: Thresher Classic Trial - Hailsham
1991: Thresher Classic Trial - Hailsham
1991: Falmouth Stakes - Only Yours
1991: Falmouth Stakes - Only Yours
1991: Musidora Stakes - Gussy Marlowe
1991: Musidora Stakes - Gussy Marlowe
1991: Juddmonte International - Terimon
1991: Juddmonte International - Terimon
1991: Hungerford Stakes - Only Yours
1991: Hungerford Stakes - Only Yours
1991: Challenge Stakes - Mystiko
1991: Challenge Stakes - Mystiko
1992: Duke of York Stakes - Shalford
1992: Duke of York Stakes - Shalford
1992: Queen Anne Stakes - Sikeston
1992: Queen Anne Stakes - Sikeston
1992: Queen Mary Stakes - Lyric Fantasy
1992: Queen Mary Stakes - Lyric Fantasy
1992: Cork and Orrery Stakes - Shalford
1992: Cork and Orrery Stakes - Shalford
1992: Britannia Stakes - Efharisto
1992: Britannia Stakes - Efharisto
1992: Ribblesdale Stakes - Armarama
1992: Ribblesdale Stakes - Armarama
1992: Cherry Hinton Stakes - Sayyedati
1992: Cherry Hinton Stakes - Sayyedati
1992: Falmouth Stakes - Gussy Marlowe
1992: Falmouth Stakes - Gussy Marlowe
1992: Molecomb Stakes - Millyant
1992: Molecomb Stakes - Millyant
1992: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Shambo
1992: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Shambo
1992: Nunthorpe Stakes - Lyric Fantasy
1992: Nunthorpe Stakes - Lyric Fantasy
1992: Fillies’ Mile - Ivanka
1992: Fillies’ Mile - Ivanka
1993: Ormonde Stakes - Shambo
1993: Ormonde Stakes - Shambo
1993: Diadem Stakes – Catrail
1993: Diadem Stakes – Catrail
1993: Henry II Stakes- Briar Creek
1993: Henry II Stakes- Briar Creek
1993: Coronation Cup - Opera House
1993: Coronation Cup - Opera House
1993: King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes - Opera House
1993: King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes - Opera House
1993: Haydock Sprint Cup - Wolfhound
1993: Haydock Sprint Cup - Wolfhound
1993: Challenge Stakes - Catrail
1993: Challenge Stakes - Catrail
1994: Ormonde Stakes - Shambo
1994: Ormonde Stakes - Shambo
1994: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Shambo
1994: Geoffrey Freer Stakes - Shambo
1996: Bunbury Cup - Crumpton Hill
1996: Bunbury Cup - Crumpton Hill
1997: Carlisle Bell - Rainbow Rain
1997: Carlisle Bell - Rainbow Rain
1999: Coronation Stakes - Balisada
1999: Coronation Stakes - Balisada
2000: Ribblesdale Stakes - Miletrian
2000: Ribblesdale Stakes - Miletrian
2001: King’s Stand Stake - Cassandra Go
2001: King’s Stand Stake - Cassandra Go
In Ireland:
In Ireland:
1988: Tattersalls Gold Cup - Shady Heights
1988: Tattersalls Gold Cup - Shady Heights
1988: Phoenix Champion Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1988: Phoenix Champion Stakes - Indian Skimmer
1992: Matron Stakes - Cloud Of Dust
1992: Matron Stakes - Cloud Of Dust
1992: Moyglare Stud Stakes - Sayyedati
1992: Moyglare Stud Stakes - Sayyedati
1992: Sea World International Stakes - Sikeston
1992: Sea World International Stakes - Sikeston
1992: Tattersalls Breeders Stakes - Mr Martini
1992: Tattersalls Breeders Stakes - Mr Martini
1993: Irish Two Thousand Guineas - Barathea
1993: Irish Two Thousand Guineas - Barathea
1993: Tattersalls Gold Cup - George Augustus
1993: Tattersalls Gold Cup - George Augustus
1993: Matron Stakes - Chanzi
1993: Matron Stakes - Chanzi
1994: Sea World International Stakes - Alflora
1994: Sea World International Stakes - Alflora
In France
In France
1987: Prix du Rond-Point - Waajib
1987: Prix du Rond-Point - Waajib
1988: Grand Prix de Deauville - Ibn Bey
1988: Grand Prix de Deauville - Ibn Bey
1990: Prix Royal Oak - Braashee (dead-heat)
1990: Prix Royal Oak - Braashee (dead-heat)
1992: Prix du Conseil de Paris - Garden Of Heaven
1992: Prix du Conseil de Paris - Garden Of Heaven
1993: Prix Dollar - Knifebox
1993: Prix Dollar - Knifebox
In Italy
In Italy
1986: Premio Lydia Tesio - Dubian
1986: Premio Lydia Tesio - Dubian
1989: Derby Italiano - Prorutori
1989: Derby Italiano - Prorutori
1989: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Just A Flutter
1989: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Just A Flutter
1990: Premio Ribot - Sikeston
1990: Premio Ribot - Sikeston
1990: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Sikeston
1990: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Sikeston
1991: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Sikeston
1991: Premio Vittorio di Capua - Sikeston
1991: Premio Roma - Sikeston
1991: Premio Roma - Sikeston
1991: Premio Presidente della Republica - Sikeston
1991: Premio Presidente della Republica - Sikeston
1992: Premio Presidente della Republica - Sikeston
1992: Premio Presidente della Republica - Sikeston
1994: Gran Premio de Jockey Club - Lando
1994: Gran Premio de Jockey Club - Lando
1994: Premio Melton - Fred Bongusto
1994: Premio Melton - Fred Bongusto
1994: Premio Emilio Turati - Alflora
1994: Premio Emilio Turati - Alflora
1995: Gran Premio di Milano - Lando
1995: Gran Premio di Milano - Lando
In Germany
In Germany
1991: Ammerschlager Frankfurt-Pokal - Sir Felix
1991: Ammerschlager Frankfurt-Pokal - Sir Felix
1991: Deutscher Buchmacher Stutenpreiss von Neuss - Palanga
1991: Deutscher Buchmacher Stutenpreiss von Neuss - Palanga
In Turkey
In Turkey
1993: Bosphorus Trophy - Shrewd Idea
1993: Bosphorus Trophy - Shrewd Idea
In Japan
In Japan
1995: Japan Cup - Lando
1995: Japan Cup - Lando
Major wins in South Africa include
Major wins in South Africa include
1971: Gold Cup - Rainstorm
1971: Gold Cup - Rainstorm
1972: South African Guineas - Sentinel
1972: South African Guineas - Sentinel
1972: Cape Guineas - Sentinel
1972: Cape Guineas - Sentinel
1972: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1972: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1972: Natal Guineas - Castaway
1972: Natal Guineas - Castaway
1973: South African Guineas - Sabre
1973: South African Guineas - Sabre
1973: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1973: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1973: Woolavington Cup - Sentinel
1973: Woolavington Cup - Sentinel
1973: Drill Hall Stakes - Sentinel
1973: Drill Hall Stakes - Sentinel
1973: Stewards Cup - Sentinel
1973: Stewards Cup - Sentinel
1973: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1973: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Sentinel
1973: National Sprint - Justine
1973: National Sprint - Justine
1973: South African Fillies’ Sprint - Justine
1973: South African Fillies’ Sprint - Justine
1974: Natal Derby - Majestic Crown
1974: Natal Derby - Majestic Crown
1974: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Sledgehammer
1974: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Sledgehammer
1974: South African Fillies’ Sprint - Justine
1974: South African Fillies’ Sprint - Justine
1974: President’s Trophy - Sentinel
1974: President’s Trophy - Sentinel
1975: Jack Stubbs Memorial Stakes - Sentinel
1975: Jack Stubbs Memorial Stakes - Sentinel
1975: Duco Dulux Cup - Sentinel
1975: Duco Dulux Cup - Sentinel
1975: Cape Flying Championship - Sentinel
1975: Cape Flying Championship - Sentinel
1975: Cape Guineas - Gatecrasher
1975: Cape Guineas - Gatecrasher
1975: Natal Derby - Prince Desire
1975: Natal Derby - Prince Desire
1975: Metropolitan Stakes - Sledgehammer
1975: Metropolitan Stakes - Sledgehammer
1975: Queen’s Plate - Sledgehammer
1975: Queen’s Plate - Sledgehammer
1975: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sledgehammer
1975: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Sledgehammer
1975: Drill Hall Stakes - Sledgehammer
1975: Drill Hall Stakes - Sledgehammer
1976: Natal Guineas - Michaelmas
1976: Natal Guineas - Michaelmas
1976: Benoni Guineas - Michaelmas
1976: Benoni Guineas - Michaelmas
1976: Eastern Province Derby - Gay Pretender
1976: Eastern Province Derby - Gay Pretender
1976: Somerset Plate – Sledgehammer
1976: Somerset Plate – Sledgehammer
1976: Woolavington Cup - Sledgehammer
1976: Woolavington Cup - Sledgehammer
1977: Cape Fillies’ Guineas - Festive Season
1977: Cape Fillies’ Guineas - Festive Season
1977: Natal Oaks - Gun Metal
1977: Natal Oaks - Gun Metal
1977: Somerset Plate - Macheath
1977: Somerset Plate - Macheath
1977: Gold Cup - Don The Stripe
1977: Gold Cup - Don The Stripe
1977: National Sprint - Row To Rio
1977: National Sprint - Row To Rio
1977: Stewards Cup - Row To Rio
1977: Stewards Cup - Row To Rio
1979: Cape Guineas - Bold Tropic
1979: Cape Guineas - Bold Tropic
1979: Cape Derby - Bold Tropic
1979: Cape Derby - Bold Tropic
1979: Natal Derby - Dunmore
1979: Natal Derby - Dunmore
1979: South African St Leger - Dunmore
1979: South African St Leger - Dunmore
1979: South African Invitation Stakes - L’Attaque
1979: South African Invitation Stakes - L’Attaque
1979: Drill Hall Stakes - Bold Tropic
1979: Drill Hall Stakes - Bold Tropic
1979: Gilbey Stakes - Row To Rio
1979: Gilbey Stakes - Row To Rio
1980: South African Derby - Smuggler’s Den
1980: South African Derby - Smuggler’s Den
1980: Gold Vase - French Mustard
1980: Gold Vase - French Mustard
1980: Stewards Cup - Young Captain
1980: Stewards Cup - Young Captain
1981: South African Guineas - Heracles
1981: South African Guineas - Heracles
1981: Gilbey Stakes - Scarlet Lady
1981: Gilbey Stakes - Scarlet Lady
1982: Natal Oaks - Liberty Silk
1982: Natal Oaks - Liberty Silk
1982: Gold Vase - Hawkins
1982: Gold Vase - Hawkins
1982: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Wolf Power
1982: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Wolf Power
1983: South African Guineas - Rain Forest
1983: South African Guineas - Rain Forest
1983: South African Fillies’ Guineas - Grey Sun
1983: South African Fillies’ Guineas - Grey Sun
1983: Natal Guineas - Turncoat
1983: Natal Guineas - Turncoat
1983: Natal Oaks - Spring Wonder
1983: Natal Oaks - Spring Wonder
1983: Queen’s Plate - Wolf Power
1983: Queen’s Plate - Wolf Power
1983: Stewards Cup - Ted’s Ambition
1983: Stewards Cup - Ted’s Ambition
1983: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1983: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1984: Cape Guineas - Turncoat
1984: Cape Guineas - Turncoat
1984: South African Oaks - Novenna
1984: South African Oaks - Novenna
1984: Queen’s Plate - Spanish Pool
1984: Queen’s Plate - Spanish Pool
1984: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1984: Clairwood Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1984: Greyville Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1984: Greyville Champion Stakes - Spanish Pool
1985: Cape Derby - Impressive Style
1985: Cape Derby - Impressive Style
1985: Greyville Champion Stakes - Bodrum
1985: Greyville Champion Stakes - Bodrum
1985: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Bodrum
1985: Transvaal Champion Stakes - Bodrum
1986: Cape Guineas - Sea Warrior
1986: Cape Guineas - Sea Warrior
1986: Computaform (National) Sprint - Honey Bear
1986: Computaform (National) Sprint - Honey Bear
1987: South African Invitation Stakes - Priceless Asset
1987: South African Invitation Stakes - Priceless Asset
1987: Transvaal Summer Champion Stakes - Persian Affair
1987: Transvaal Summer Champion Stakes - Persian Affair
1991: Cape Guineas - Star Effort
1991: Cape Guineas - Star Effort
1991: Cape Fillies’ Guineas - Star Effort
1991: Cape Fillies’ Guineas - Star Effort
1992: Natal Guineas - Lucky Abbot
1992: Natal Guineas - Lucky Abbot
1994: Cape Derby - Comareen
1994: Cape Derby - Comareen
In Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe
1976: Round The Course Handicap - Gondola
1976: Round The Course Handicap - Gondola
1977: Sports Pool Stakes - Don Ribot
1977: Sports Pool Stakes - Don Ribot
1979: Ascot Guineas - Chintisse
1979: Ascot Guineas - Chintisse
1979: Clifford Dupont Memorial Trophy - Gold Standard
1979: Clifford Dupont Memorial Trophy - Gold Standard
1979: Juvenile Stakes - Gold Standard
1979: Juvenile Stakes - Gold Standard
1980: Juvenile Stakes - Riboboy
1980: Juvenile Stakes - Riboboy
1980: Turnbull Memorial Trophy -
1980: Turnbull Memorial Trophy -