Government to make a call on SA racing
April 28, 2020
Awaiting a call from government
May 1, 2020
Mdk Staff Profiles: Elliot Maqalena
NAME
Mxoleleni Maqalena known as Elliot. 48yrs. Born in Tsolo, Transkei
FAMILY
I’m married to Precious. I have a son of 21 and my daughter is 19.
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MDK AND WHAT ARE YOUR DUTIES?
I have worked here for 21 years. I am a Workrider and groom. At the moment I mostly help Diane with the pre-training of the babies.
GIVE US DETAILS OF PAST EMPLOYMENT AND INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT YOUR RACING EXPERIENCES
I first started with Ricky Maingard where I learnt to ride. I left Maingard and went to work for David Payne. I also went to Cape Town for the season with Mr Payne. After David Payne I moved to Johannesburg to work for Frank Agliotti. I worked for him for six months then started with Mike De Kock.
I started at the main yard but then in April 2000 I went to Whitehills with Diane to break in the yearlings. I worked there for four years. I remember horses that I broke in like Victory Moon, Wolf Whistle and Greys Inn. Greys Inn was a very naughty baby and I used to fall off him regularly. I started going to Dubai in 2003 and then went there consistently from 2006 until last year. I worked with many famous horses there. I also travelled to Hong Kong with Musir when he ran third in the Hong Kong mile. I went to Singapore with Kavanagh. I enjoyed going to Dubai and hope to be going again in the future. So now at the moment I’m working with the young horses and training them.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE HORSES?
Musir is my favorite. I looked after him in Dubai. Mabhooba was my favourite filly. Musir won the Dubai triple crown. He had a very good temperament. He is now retired at Christophe Soumillon’s home near Chantilly. Shea Shea was another favourite but he was a difficult ride. Soqrat is my current favourite in the yard. I worked with him as a two year old.
DO YOU HAVE ANY HIGHLIGHTS YOU REMEMBER IN YOUR CAREER?
A highlight was when Musir won the Dubai Derby by one and a half lengths with Christophe Soumillon up.
