Jockey Brandon Louis doesn’t get a whole heap of riding opportunities in big races, but you won’t ever find him complaining about it.
Since calling Australia home, his positive attitude and work ethic has won him the respect of his peers and racing colleagues.
Brandon Louis doesn’t doubt or lack confidence in his riding capabilities, but believes “the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”
There are many versions of the well-known saying, but it’s often attributed to legendary South African golfer, Gary Player.
It’s a principle that served Louis well on Sunday when he claimed one of his biggest races: the $125,000 Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m).
Presented with the opportunity of partnering Bambun Boy, the diligent jockey grabbed it with both hands and delivered in style.
Carrying out the instructions of trainer Sue Olive to the letter, Louis crossed from a wide barrier and rated Bambun Boy in front perfectly.
Ridden out strongly by Louis, the seven-year-old absorbed pressure from the runner-up Royal Law and hit the line ¾ of a length clear.
Louis was thrilled to have added his name to the Geraldton Gold Cup honour board.
“I try to work hard every day, I know how the game is,” Louis said.
“But I think this is what makes the magic of the sport.
“You put the work in and something happens.
“I think it’s true.”
With the rest of the field behind chasing, Louis said his confidence levels with Bambun Boy started to grow nearing the turn.
“The whole camp just talked to me and said he’s a type of horse that likes to roll a bit,” Louis said.
“I thought I was going to sit out, but he jumped, and I let him roll and dictate.
“In the back straight, I was going pretty easily and getting some cheap sectionals.
“At about the 600m I put him through his gears, and I got a bit more confidence.
“In the straight he put that little gap which is very important in this kind of race.”
Bambun Boy started as a $13.40 chance, despite having good Perth form.
He entered the race with one win and two seconds from his previous three outings.
His victory capped a sentimental day for Olive and her Gold Front team.
Bambun Boy’s fourth career success was a parting gift to his sire, Slater, who sadly passed away at Gold Front’s Gingin base last week.
Fat Roy Slim ran his best race for some time, finishing third to round out the Geraldton Cup placings.
Manavendra started favourite, but faded to last after racing wide.
Louis started his racing journey as a stable hand at the Mauritius Turf Club with an eye towards his ultimate ambition of becoming an apprentice jockey.
He broadened his racing knowledge and experience in Singapore as a track rider where he was spotted by Racing and Wagering WA jockey coach, Peter Hall.
Joining a growing list of young Mauritian riders who domiciled in the west before him, Louis was accepted into the Perth Apprentice Jockey Training Programme.
In 2018 he commenced his apprenticeship under the influence of Hall of Fame trainer, Neville Parnham and won his first race on Vonus.
Since his riding debut, Louis has racked up 166 wins from close to 2000 starts, with a season best tally of 38 winners in 2023.
