XTM Moriturf: Exclusive — Francois Herholdt — The People’s Honorary Mauritian

Francois Herholdt has enjoyed an illustrious career over a period spanning thirty-two years and has grown to become one of Mauritian’s favorite jockeys.

While being interviewed by host Akash Matabadul, Francois gives his fans intimate insight into what initially fueled his interest in and appreciation for horseracing.

He recounts that around the age of twelve, he was introduced to horseracing by his father, who had aspirations of being a jockey himself, but those dreams were deferred due to the death of Francois’ grandparents when his dad was still a young boy.

The senior Herholdt ignited the passion for horseracing in his son by imparting his knowledge of this ‘sport of kings.’ Until that point, Francois’ only associated horses with the circus and was intrigued by these beautiful majestic beasts.

He mused that “back then people wanted to be a fireman, police, you know.” This implies that he wasn’t afraid to stray from the norm by becoming a jockey, and still is a bit of a trailblazer, on and off the track.

He eventually attended an academy in Durban to learn the craft as an apprentice. There he honed his riding skills and embraced and grew from the challenges he experienced on his journey.

Francois Herholdt has no plans to retire soon as long as he’s in the best physical condition he can be for the job, and he appreciates that his ‘office’ is the great outdoors.

When recounting his career’s early days, he admits that the first two years were the hardest for him as he had to get accustomed to the horses and what was required of his position.

Eventually, he got used to the racing life, things gradually became more manageable, and he also learned a lot from his mentor Jeff Lloyd who has influenced him greatly.

Francois is also very grateful for the life that being a successful jockey has afforded him, and he admits that travel has been one of the significant benefits of his career.

He has visited and competed in more than ten countries, including Dubai, Singapore, France, and Saudi Arabia, and emerged victorious with about one thousand winners over the years.

Having the opportunity to explore and experience different cultures since the age of nineteen has broadened his perspective. Mauritius is one of the first places he visited and where he considers to be his second home.

He also recounted that the track he rode on during that first trip reminded him of another track that he didn’t particularly care for, back in his homeland of South Africa.

Back then, he was here for three weeks and rode two winners only to return seven years later to win a championship.

Francois Herholdt reiterates that this is why he loves challenges and traveling and the reason he continues to ride.

Watch our video to see why Francois Herholdt has a particular affinity for Mauritius, how he uses his weight to his advantage when racing, other jockeys he admires, his weaknesses, and how he overcomes them.

By Nadine A. Jack (XTM; 2020)