Brandon Louis doesn’t always get the call-up for major races, but you’ll never catch him grumbling about missed chances.
Since making Australia his home, Louis has earned admiration across the racing community for his positive mindset and tireless work ethic.
While he’s confident in his own riding skills, Louis believes firmly in the mantra: “the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”
It’s a saying often linked to legendary golfer Gary Player, and one that certainly rang true for Louis on Sunday as he claimed a career-highlight win in the $125,000 Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m).
Given the ride on Bambun Boy, Louis made the most of the opportunity, delivering a perfectly judged front-running display.
He followed trainer Sue Olive’s instructions to perfection, crossing from a wide draw and controlling the tempo expertly.
Louis kept his mount balanced under pressure and pushed hard in the final stages to fend off Royal Law, crossing the line with a ¾ length margin.
Adding his name to the Geraldton Gold Cup honour roll was a moment to savour.
“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.”
Approaching the home turn, Louis said he could sense Bambun Boy was travelling well beneath him and his confidence began to grow.
“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.”
Despite his solid form in Perth, Bambun Boy started at $13.40, having won once and placed twice in his last three starts.
His win made for an emotional result for Olive and her Gold Front team, coming just days after the death of Bambun Boy’s sire, Slater, at their Gingin property.
Fat Roy Slim finished a much-improved third, while favourite Manavendra faded to last after a tough run wide.
Louis began his path in racing working as a stable hand at the Mauritius Turf Club, dreaming of becoming a jockey.
He later moved to Singapore, gaining experience as a trackwork rider before catching the eye of RWWA coach Peter Hall.
Following in the footsteps of other Mauritian apprentices, Louis joined Perth’s Apprentice Jockey Training Programme and began his apprenticeship with Neville Parnham in 2018. His first win came aboard Vonus.
Since then, Louis has ridden 166 winners from nearly 2000 starts, with a career-best 38 wins in the 2023 season.
