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Avontuur to sponsor ‘MJ’ Byleveld

Published by charl on November 29, 2009

AVONTUUR Estate GM, Pippa Mickleburgh has announced that the well-known winery and stud farm from Somerset West has appointed 28 year old up-and-coming SA jockey, MJ Byleveld, as their new on-course ambassador.

“The best part of this is that MJ is kicking off his relationship with us by riding an Avontuur-bred filly Townsend, for trainer Justin Snaith, in the 2009 R750 000 Avontuur Estate Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas on Saturday, 5 December! That’s three times lucky for our brand on one day,”she said.

Publicity-shy MJ is happy to promote Avontuur on courses nationwide and says the sponsorship offers him the opportunity to involve himself with a great brand and support his ambition to become one of the country’s best riders.

Comments MJ: “Having been in the saddle for many of the top trainers and having had the experience of winning some great races on equally stunning horses, this is new to my job as a freelancer.

“The wine angle adds another dimension to the sponsorship, and although I enjoy a glass of red wine now and again, I’ve been much more serious about the wine I drink since being introduced to some of Avontuur’s. My favourites are the red Bordeaux-style blends, but I’m developing a real affinity for Avontuur’s award-winning Chardonnay Reserve, Luna de Miel – which even has an equine name,” he laughs.

High points in MJ’s career include winning his first race for trainer Alastair Gordon at Scottsville on What a Promise in 1999 and being awarded the Championship Apprentice Jockey trophy for 2000/2001.

“Avontuur Estate hopes that this sponsorship will lead to many more career highs for this promising young man, and we wish MJ everything of the best on Fillies day and for the rest of the Cape racing season,” Pippa concluded.