Apprentice jockey Sima Mxothwa ended the season in perfect fashion at Tauranga on Wednesday when recording his first win in the saddle aboard Hit The Switch in the Gartshore Construction (1400m).

The expat South African was having his fourth raceday ride, and second aboard the Bob and Jenny Vance-trained Hit The Switch. The pair ran second at Pukekohe earlier this month, but were not to be outdone on Wednesday, running away to a one length victory over Koro’s Princess.

“It’s good to finally get the monkey off the back and I can just focus on the future now,” Mxothwa said.

“I was second on the same horse at Pukekohe and got beaten by Mighty Bright. The owners were happy with the ride and the run, and Mr Bob Vance said he would give me the ride next time.

“It worked out quite well today and I followed the instructions. I just rode him the way I rode him last time. They told me I mustn’t fight him because once you fight him, he just grabs the bit, fights you the whole way, and he will come out on top.

“He is a horse that doesn’t give up, he just keeps on fighting. When I asked him to kick, he did give me a kick and he kept on going and went a really good race.”

Mxothwa is pleased he ended the season on a winning note and he is hoping his victory will help open up more riding opportunities for him in the new season.

“It was great to get my first win on the last day of the season,” he said. “I am going to keep my head down and hopefully doors will start opening in the new season.”

Mxothwa, who is apprenticed to Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, said he appreciates all the support he has received during his time in New Zealand.

“It’s always good to have people supporting you because it is not always easy for trainers and owners to give young apprentices a shot when they aren’t experienced,” he said.

“I came to New Zealand with no experience at all, I joined the (jockey) academy and I have got some really good people supporting and mentoring me. I’ll do my best to make them proud.”

Mxothwa is hoping he can quickly add to his win tally when he heads to Ruakaka on Saturday to ride debutants For Honor and Eva Magical in the Kainui Pack & Cool (1600m) and Aotea Electric In Waipapa (1200m) respectively.