Kevin Shea (jockey)
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 April 1963 Durban, South Africa |
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Horse racing career | |
| Sport | Horse racing |
| Career wins | 2000+ |
| Major racing wins | |
| Durban July Handicap (2002, 2008) Dubai Duty Free (2003) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2008) Hong Kong Cup (2008) Dubai Sheema Classic (2008) Jebel Hatta (2012) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Ipi Tombe, Lizard's Desire, Dancers Daughter, Sun Classique, Via Africa | |
| Updated on 29 April 2012 | |
Kevin Shea (born 16 April 1964) is a former South African horse racing jockey. He was a former stable jockey for trainer Mike de Kock, and rode 26 Grade 1 winners for the trainer.
His career lasted 37 years, before retiring in 2015 after experiencing chronic back problems. He is currently an on-course presenter for Gold Circle TV which covers horse racing in KwaZulu-Natal.[1]
Shea attended Northlands High School, before enrolling into the South African Jockey Academy in 1977.[2]
Early career
Shea's first winner as an apprentice came in 1979, onboard DRUID'S ROBE for trainer Des Rich. He would go onto ride 100 winners as an apprentice.
Major wins
South Africa
He is a two-time winner of the Vodacom Durban July.[3] His first victory coming on board the filly Ipi Tombe for trainer Mike de Kock in 2002. His second July victory came in 2008 when he dead-heated for first with Dancers Daughter for the Justin Snaith stable.
Shea won the Summer Cup four times. His first win came in 1982 while still an apprentice, on board the filly 'Have A Fling' for trainer Buller Benton (the race then was known as the Holiday Inns).[4]
International
Shea has ridden winners in UAE (Dubai), Hong Kong, Mauritius and Singapore. His list of international feature wins include the Dubai Duty Free (Ipi Tombe, 2003), Sheema Classic (Sun Classique, 2008), QEII Cup (Archipenko, 2008), Hong Kong Cup (2008), Singapore Cup (2010) and Jebel Hatta (2003,2012).
