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

Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes, please elaborate.
Yes Tellytrack present Lyall Cooper is my Uncle.

How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?
I was interested in becoming a jockey after it was suggested to me by my Grandfather, as it allowed me to combine my love for horses and my passion for speed and competition. My Mom and I came to the Academy at Summerveld from Zambia for an interview and fitness testing and I was accepted and began my apprenticeship in 2018.

How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?
For about 2 years before I joined the Academy.

Are there any special traits or requirements one needs for the profession?
You need to be passionate about being a jockey, it’s not an easy profession at all, so if you’re passionate about what you do it will get you through the hard times. You also need a good work ethic as it requires lots of hard work to become a good jockey.

How do you keep fit physically and mentally?
I have a meditation app on my phone that I use to improve my mental fitness and to maintain focus. Physical fitness I maintain with riding work in the mornings, gym at the Academy and working with the Academy Biokineticist!

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
Callan Murray inspires me a lot, we have similar backgrounds in that we both competed competitively in Moto Cross, which I think is a good starting point as it gets you used to speed and danger. Callan is also a very dedicated and hardworking jockey, who I aspire to be like once I qualify.

Who is your favourite jockey and why?
Richard Fourie is my favourite jockey because he is so dedicated, loves and respects horses so much, is very caring and goes out of his way to advise, assist and help me and the other apprentices.

What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
An apprentice needs to mentally strong and have a positive mind-set to be successful. As an Apprentice you will receive a lot of negative comments but if you’re focused and positive you will be able to deal with these and filter out the valuable criticism from the negativity.

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
The eLan Gold Cup and the Gauteng Summer Cup are the races I would like to win!

Where is your favourite racetrack?
Turffontein is my favourite racecourse, I rode in an apprentice race there and loved the atmosphere and vibe there.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
To bring the attraction of racing back, when you go to race at some race meetings there are hardly any spectators or fans watching. It won’t be easy but something needs to be done to make racing more attractive to the public.

What advice would give someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?
Stay humble and put your head down and work as hard as possible.

How many winners have you had to date?
I have had 1 winner 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 had to learn to use my whip in my right hand, because I am a left hander it was very difficult for me to use the whip in my right hand. However, the Riding Masters have taught me to always carry the whip in my right hand when I ride work and this practice has really help me improve.

Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?
I want to qualify and be a good enough jockey to be considered to race internationally in countries such as Australia and Hong Kong.

What do you think of the SAJA and the work they do for you?
The Academy is tough and the Staff expect the best of us, but it is all in order to make us world class athletes. The results and success of the jockeys who have qualified show just how good the Academy is!