Johannesburg — WHEN it comes to awards and personal recognition, racing is ensconced in its own cocoon.

The sport is a non-starter when it comes to annual awards such as "sportsman of the year" -- it is generally rugby, cricket or soccer that dominate these awards, although perhaps our Paralympian athletes will get a look in this year.

Not since Muis Roberts, the first South African to win the British jockeys' championship, was nominated for the Sportsman of the Year award in 1992 (due mainly to representations by the racing editors of Business Day and Beeld), has racing even got a look in.

However, that may change this year with the reintroduction -- after a 20-year absence -- of the International Jockeys Challenge, scheduled for Turffontein on November 29.

Mark Khan will captain a six-member South African team consisting of Anton Marcus, Weichong Marwing, Karl Neisius, Kevin Shea and Piere Strydom, and it is hoped they will be awarded Springbok colours.

The National Horseracing Authority has made the necessary application to the relevant body and is now awaiting a decision. Perhaps they shouldn't hold their breath!

Nevertheless Khan, champion jockey for four of the past five seasons, cannot wait to take on the likes of Frankie Dettori, Mick Kinane and last Sunday's Arc de Triomphe hero, Christophe Soumillon.

"It is an honour to be selected to represent SA and an even greater honour to be made captain," enthused Khan.

"The international riders face the challenge of having to adapt to our conditions, but they have great race-riding knowledge and we will have to be sharp on the day.

"At this level, split-second decisions make the difference between winning and losing, so you have to be precise. It's going to be wonderful."

Tex Lerena, chairman of the Jockeys' Association, said: "It will be the experience of a lifetime for the South African jockeys. The reintroduction of the International Challenge will revitalise the entire horse-racing industry, particularly for the jockeys.

"For them, it's a privilege to rub shoulders with legends like Frankie Dettori, Mick Kinane and Damien Oliver, and young stars like Ryan Moore and Christophe Soumillon."

Shea will be hoping for better fortune at Turffontein than he encountered in Paris on Sunday.

Champion South African sprinter National Colour was expected to be a leading player in the R2,4m Prix de L'Abbaye, but the race was declared a false start when the stall of British raider Fleeting Spirit failed to open. Shea and National Colour completed the course, which obviously was a negative for her chances when the race was re-run four hours later.

"I understand she didn't pull up too well and is sore - Sean (Tarry) will be able to shed more light on her when he returns tomorrow," assistant trainer Scott Kenny said yesterday.