Type: Club Jockey

Nationality: South African

Background:
Age: 30. Keagan De Melo is a product of the world-renowned South African Jockey Academy. Previously based in Durban, South Africa, De Melo boasts in excess of 1,200 career wins, including nearly 50 at black type level, and has forged strong partnerships with a variety of trainers, notably Dean Kannemayer. He was also the retained rider for Khaya Stables. Since the 2016/17 South African racing season, De Melo has ridden over 100 winners on six occasions, while his big-race triumphs through 2023 include the Golden Horse Sprint, Premier's Champions Challenge, Cape Flying Championship and South African Derby. De Melo's first win came in 2010 aboard Western Gem at Scottsville. He claimed his first championship in South Africa following a stellar 2022/23 campaign. He finished his first full season in Hong Kong in 2023/24 with a solid 21 wins.

Achievements:
South Africa Champion Jockey (2022/23).

Notable Race Wins Include
South African Derby (2023 Son Of Raj), Garden Province Stakes (2020 Temple Grafin, 2021 Zarina), Paddock Stakes (2021 Queen Supreme), Summer Cup (2022 Puerto Manzano), Golden Horse Sprint (2023 Gimme A Prince), Premier's Champions Challenge (2023 Puerto Manzano), Cape Flying Championship (2023 Gimme A Prince).

Hong Kong Career Wins
(at start of 2024/25 season): 21 (win strike rate 5%).