Stuart rides at 8 st 4 lbs, 116 lbs or 53 kgs and is freelancing in all of the major centres of South Africa (Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.)

Outside racing he is passionate about water skiing, surfing and golf. He first entered racing via the South African Jockey Academy in January 1986 and graduated in 1987 under the apprenticeship of Mr.Tony Furness.

Achievements
The McDonald Trophy is awarded annually to the top all round apprentice which he won twice in consecutive years and was runner up prior to that.

Apart from riding in the prestigious Rothman's July Handicap as an apprentice, he won the `Mainstay Apprentice Challenge`, which is open to all apprentices around the country. In January 1991, he became a fully fledged jockey having ridden 110 winners.

In 1991 he finished in the top 12 leading jockeys in South Africa with 73 winners, 55 seconds, 86 thirds and 127 other placed rides out of 663 rides.

During this period, he mainly freelanced but also also represented his province in a competition between South Africa and a visiting team from England.

Other achievements nothced up by Stuart have included: