SA Horseracing recently took time out to find out more about the up and coming Jason Gates who is an apprentice from the South African Jockey Academy.

Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes, please elaborate.
No family connections at all.

How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?
The butcher at our Spar Butchery, Oom John, is a racing fan and spoke to my Mom and I and said that I should consider becoming a jockey because I am the right weight and size and that it was a good job.

How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?
I had never thought about being a jockey until Oom John spoke to me, I actually had no idea what a jockey was or what they did. I did some research online and liked what I saw as I liked sports and had participated in all sports at school. I spoke to my Mom and we attended the interviews and was accepted into the Academy.

Are there any special traits or requirements one needs for the profession?
You have to have the right mind-set, racing is tough and there will be good and bad times. In the bad times you have to keep your head up and keep moving forward and in the good times you need to have a level head and stay humble and modest. You also need to be able to work hard to be successful and have a hunger success!

How do you keep fit physically and mentally?
By riding a lot of work in the mornings, 6 days a week also by doing gym twice a week at the Academy.

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
Lyle Hewitson, because even though he was 2 time South African Champion Jockey he remained humble and treated everybody the same respect. Whether you are a senior jockey or a 1st year apprentice Lyle will treat you exactly the same. Lyle and I came into the Academy together as 1st Year apprentices and he has always been there to help me and the other apprentices with advice on riding and our personal life!

Who is your favourite jockey and why?
Richard Fourie because I think he has all the qualities you need to become a successful jockey! I admire his riding style, he is an excellent horseman, has a great personality and is a dedicated family man. I have learnt so much from him over the years, I did his kit in my first and second year and ever since I started race riding he has always help me and given me advice.

What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Hard work, communication skills and be an athlete.

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
The Vodacom Durban July and the Queens Plate are the races I would like to win!

Where is your favourite racetrack?
The Greyville grass track in Durban because my riding style seems to suit the course and I have had a lot of success riding on this track!

What would you like to see changed in racing?
I would like to see more people coming to the racecourse and for horses and jockeys to be admired again like they used to be! I would also like people to respect the jockey profession as realise the skill and fitness required by jockeys.

What advice would give someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?
Make sure that this is a career that you want to do and that you are passionate about it! It’s going to be very hard so be prepared to face the challenges head on!

How many winners have you had to date?
I have had 50 winners so far!

Give us an example of what you have learnt about racing riding (or work riding) specific to your technique or weakness that you have worked on successfully?
I needed to learn to be more careful, initially when I started race riding I was a bit reckless. The Academy and the Riding Masters helped me overcome this problem and to concentrate and focus more in races.

Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?
I see myself as a future top jockey and aspire to be a National Champion Jockey.

What do you think of the SAJA and the work they do for you?
The work done with the Apprentices at the Academy makes them physically and mentally strong and ready not only for racing but also the real world. The Academy is there to support the apprentices the whole way until they mature and become professional jockeys.