South African Jockey Academy Appoints First COO

South African Jockey Academy Appoints First-Ever Chief Operating Officer – Mrs. Tarryn Mason.

The South African Jockey Academy (SAJA), Africa’s only institution for the education and training of professional jockeys, is proud to announce the historic appointment of Mrs. Tarryn Mason as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This landmark appointment represents a defining moment in the Academy’s history, creating a strengthened executive structure that ensures excellence both on and off the track. In this newly established role, Mason will provide strategic oversight across operations, finance, marketing, and stakeholder relations, working alongside the Headmaster to drive the Academy’s mission of developing world-class jockeys.

Tarryn Mason is no stranger to the Academy. With more than a decade of dedicated service, she has become an integral force behind its growth and modernization. Her contributions have been wide-ranging and transformative: leading the multidisciplinary support team that underpins apprentice success, spearheading national recruitment efforts to secure the future of the sport, championing health and wellness research tailored to jockey athletes, and significantly elevating the Academy’s presence through communications, fundraising, and industry engagement.

In addition to her professional impact, Mason’s appointment is a historic milestone for SAJA, as she becomes the first woman to join the Academy’s executive leadership team, paving the way for greater representation at the highest levels of the institution.

Speaking on her appointment, Mason said:

“It is a true honour to step into this pioneering role. The Academy has been at the heart of my professional journey for more than ten years, and I am deeply proud of the role I have been able to play in shaping its path. To now serve as its first Chief Operating Officer is both humbling and inspiring, and I look forward to continuing to build on our proud legacy, together with our staff, apprentices, and partners.”

Speaking on behalf of the SAJA Board, its Chairman, Basil Thomas thanked the Board for supporting this hugely important restructure and expressed particular appreciation to the Headmaster, Mr Marius Nel for his enthusiastic support in recognising that the businesses of Academics and Operations need to be collaborative but essentially, separate.

“The South African Jockey Academy celebrates this milestone as a testament to Tarryn’s unwavering commitment, expertise, and vision. This appointment is so deserved, and we look forward to the continued growth and sustainability that her leadership will bring.”