Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts, affectionately known by his nickname “Muis” (Afrikaans for “Mouse”) due to his petite stature, is a legendary South African jockey who reached the pinnacle of international horse racing.

Born in May 1954, he dominated the South African circuit, winning an incredible 11 consecutive national jockey championships. He eventually moved to Great Britain, where he cemented his global reputation by becoming the British Champion Flat Jockey in 1992.

Roberts is best remembered for his partnership with the world-class middle-distance horse Mtoto, whom he described as the greatest horse he ever rode. Together, they won consecutive runnings of the Eclipse Stakes (1987, 1988) and the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in 1988. His 1992 championship-winning season was particularly historic, as he rode 206 winners, making him only the fourth jockey in British history at that time to surpass the double-century mark in a single season.

After a severe neck injury sustained in a fall in 2001 forced his retirement from the saddle, Roberts transitioned into a successful career as a trainer in South Africa