First Stakes Winner For Gabriell

The roars of support at Turffontein on Saturday for 20 year old Gabriell Pieterse as he drove Infinite Wonder to win the Europa Point Listed Drum Star Handicap could be heard 1500km away in his family hometown of Lusaka, Zambia.

The young former motocrosse champion, who came out of his time just two months earlier and was steering his first stakes winner to victory, was clearly overjoyed and thrilled by the vital ‘breakthrough’, when he chatted to the Sporting Post on Monday.

It’s tough for any young rider to get the breaks and create sustainable career opportunities, and Gabriell is very happy that he took the brave decision to try and make it on the competitive stage that is Gauteng racing.

“I decided on focussing on and staying in Gauteng as there are more racemeetings on average than other centres, and bigger yards with a wider spread of horses. It’s a big decision to make as some can get lost in the system. But so far I have done well, thanks to the support of Robyn Klaasen, whose stable I ride for, and Mr Paul Matchett and owner Mano Pandaram, who have gotten behind me.”

Mr Pandaram owns Infinite Wonder, and Gabriell started catching his eye when he booted Global Impact home by over 4 lengths to shed his maiden last month. Infinite Wonder proved a milestone of note for the young rider.

“The only worry was that he was coming in soon after his last run. But we anticipated a little bit of a pace and it worked out. He settled well and was always going smoothly. I had my eye on Litigation up the straight, and I knew we had it sealed at the 300m. What a thrill. I’m still on cloud 9!” enthused Gabriell as he once again expressed appreciation for the support from owners and trainers.

“It’s a cliché, but it’s true. We can’t do it without owner and trainer support, and the rides. The great thing is that they contacted me to ride Infinite Wonder in the Drum Star. He was allotted 52kgs. I’m comfortable at 53kgs. So it took a nominal effort – and I was only too happy to accept the engagement. The rest is history, as they say. I’m really chuffed,” added the rising star, who lives on his own in a flat in Bedfordview.

So did he hear from his family afterwards – particularly his number 1 fan, Mom Candice?

“Of course – they are in another country, but follow my progress passionately. The only thing was they didn’t click initially that it was a feature race – so when they heard that, well they were over the moon!”

And did he celebrate on Saturday evening?

“I didn’t do anything crazy. I had been invited out to a birthday party and I attended that. It’s still work the next day, so partying is not high on the agenda,” he laughs.

Gabriell doesn’t risk cabin fever in his flat either though, and would rather be outdoors.

“I keep busy and you won’t find me ‘vegging’ on the couch. Thursday evening is always fun as the jockeys play action cricket at Meyersdal. So that’s good, clean fun, and great exercise.”

He also spends plenty of time with his closest mate, and fellow jockey, Denis Schwarz.

Gabriell is a motor sports fanatic, who has competed at the highest levels, winning 3 Zambian Motocrosse Championships and a Southern African Motocrosse Championship in the 65 and 85cc classes.

“I am looking out for a bike at the moment and I’m keen to resume motocrosse as a hobby. As you are aware, my family are up in Zambia. Dad was down in Gauteng a few weeks ago, but I haven’t seen Mom for some time – actually since February 2022. And my sister Jade and I are very close. It is my intention to go home in the first week of August and visit them all. It’s a good target to work hard towards.”

Gabriell and his family previously lived in Midrand, Johannesburg where he attended Briandale Primary School. He was in boarding schools for much of his schooling career, so is well adjusted to a life of living on his own and only seeing his folks and sister periodically.

As for travelling for rides, Gabriell says he would rather build himself up properly before incurring costs for a ride or two elsewhere.

“My plan is to save and accumulate funds, so that I can afford to travel. It’s expensive and while it is part of building a brand and reputation, I need to be able to afford it. I will probably start by travelling to KZN from April. I’d love to do the Eastern and Western Cape, but need to build opportunities there. Rome wasn’t built in a day!”

Gabriell splits his riding work commitments roughly 60:40 between Randjesfontein and Turffontein.

“Hard work and running around in the morning is still the best way to show commitment. And naturally riding a few winners, too! But that’s why travelling is not a high priority right now. I have been around for five minutes, and need to establish credibility,” he adds maturely.

It was his Grandfather that suggested a career as a jockey.

“It’s been really great so far. I’m very lucky to have a profession that keeps me close to the horses and the outdoors.”