FIVE-time South African Champion Work Rider Abram Makhubo passed away on Saturday afternoon, 26 October. He was 36 years old. 

Makhubo, who rode over 70 winners from mounts carded in Work Riders Series only, was the undisputed top gun among work riders for many years, a talented jockey by all accounts and a professional horseman in his own right. 

Abram Makhubo at the Equus Awards, celebrating his fifth Champion Work Riders Award. (hollywoodbets.net).

He learnt most of his riding skills from former jockey and trainer Eugene Cox, who gave him his first job as a groom, and then refined his trade under James Maree at the Work Riders Academy. 

Makhubo joined Mike de Kock’s stable in the mid 2000s and travelled with the team to Dubai, Hong Kong and Australia, where he looked after Greys Inn during the now promising stallion’s Australian campaign in 2005. He also worked with the likes of Asiatic Boy and Irridesence. 

Makhubo helped in the yard and rode freelance over the last few years for top stables, including Sean Tarry, Paul Matchett, Diane Stenger and Robbie Sage. 

Tributes from friends and colleagues poured in from around the world on Sunday for the affable and hardworking “AB” and Diane de Kock commented: “Abram was a big campaigner with me for our HIV initiative. He influenced and saved many lives but in the end he couldn’t save himself. He will be very much missed at our stable in the mornings with his happy, professional disposition. He has left big shoes to fill and we will miss him very much.” 

Abram Makhbu is survived by his wife Maria and three children.

Abram with Grey’s Inn in Melbourne, Australia, 2005.