Gavin Lerena

27-year old GAVIN LERENA has been riding for just over a decade but has already etched his name into the South African record books. Gavin eclipsed the long standing apprenticeship record of 283 winners, held for many a decade by the legendary Michael Roberts. Young Lerena, then kicked on with plenty of momentum after qualifying as a fully-fledged jockey and went down narrowly by one win to Anton Marcus in last season’s Jockey’s Championship. He has represented South Africa on a few occasions during the International Jockey’s Challenge and even claimed the Victor Ludorum (highest points scorer) at that meeting, a few seasons ago. After missing out on a third of this current season due to injury, Gavin has     

still achieved 79 winners and is just outside the top ten. He is closing in on a magical 1000 winners during his career and sees himself as a decent each/way prospect for next season’s title. Gavin celebrates his 28^th birthday four days prior to this year’s Vodacom Durban July, the race that he would most like to win. He has short-listed POMODORO and HILL FIFTY FOUR as potential winners of this year’s race, with a particular preference for the former. We wish Gavin Lerena everything of the best in the ‘big race’ and will be following his career with plenty of interest.  

 

 What is your name? Gavin Juan Lerena.

 What is your star sign and birthdate? Cancer. I was born on 2 July 1985.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? I’m Jo’burg born and bred.

Where do you live? Bushwillow Park, Greenstone.

 

Tell us about your family?  My family is my pillar of strength, always quick to congratulate me and as quick to point out what I need to improve on.  I appreciate that immensely.  My grandfather is my biggest supporter and watches every single race I ride in. My father, Tex is my backbone keeping me grounded and focused which helps me to walk proud and tall. As much as he is my father he is also my best friend. My mother Avril is my core. Without her nothing gets done. There is nothing like a mother’s love. My sister, Kim, is my brain and is able to interpret my every thought. My fiancé, Victoria is my heart. She keeps everything moving smoothly and is the love of my life. Vikki’s daughter Emily and my godchild Isabella are my foundation. When things go wrong they silently let me know that all is right with the

world and everything is going to be okay. My brother-in-law, Michael Backos is the older brother I never had. He doesn’t bully me but he sure takes my money on the bowling green. All my cousins, aunties and uncles are my support system and that is what makes Gavin Lerena who he is.

Do you have a ‘nickname’? I don’t have a nickname

but everyone just calls me ‘Gav’. Mike de Kock calls me ‘Elvis’ but that’s okay, he was a legend.

Favourite food? I enjoy a good family roast. Roast potatoes are my weakness.

 

Favourite drink?  All I drink is water but there is nothing like a coke and ice.

 

Favourite music? I love the golden oldies, especially Rock n’ Roll.

 

Favourite sport?  Horseracing.

 

Favourite soccer team? Liverpool.

 

Favourite holiday destination? Mauritius.

What book are you reading at the moment? Not reading anything at the moment. The last book I read was Lance Armstrong’s biography given to me by Mark Khan. I found it to be inspiring and humbling but after recent revelations, I’ll have to wait for the next episode.

 

Which characteristic about yourself do you like the most? The ability to remain cool, calm and collected in difficult situations.

Is there anything the public don’t know about Gavin Lerena that they would be interested to know?   I enjoy playing bowls and watching a good movie.  “Olympus has Fallen” is one of the most recent ones I’ve watched and I loved it.

Who is the one person that you would love to meet and why? I would have to choose 2, Nelson Mandela for obvious reasons and Michael Jackson, the biggest entertainer of the modern era.

Where did you go to school and what qualification did you achieve? I went to Buccleuch Primary, Sandringham High and did matric at the SA Jockeys Academy.

 

What sort of student were you and what subject did you really enjoy studying? My mother and sister did all my homework and I loved the sports field. I gave it 110% on the sports field.

 

You come from a family deeply involved in racing. What or who convinced you to become a jockey?  My mother and father tried to keep me as far away from horseracing as possible. What can I say? When it’s in the blood, it’s in the blood.

 

In which year did you become an apprentice, where were you based and who were your fellow apprentices at the academy? I joined the Academy in 2002 and my fellow apprentices were Randall Simons, Raymond Danielson, S’manga Khumalo, Muzi Yeni and Richard Fourie to name a few.

 

Tell us about the lifestyle at the academy and what were the obstacles that you faced? I enjoyed the lifestyle and my only obstacle was getting from my dorm to the girls dorm without getting caught.  In JHB Mr. Moore would call me every day asking “Where are you”? Needless to say I would always reply that I was stuck in traffic. I would do  anything for a few extra minutes of freedom.

 

Who were your riding masters at the time? Paul Gadsby, Vincent Curtis, Gary Rich and Robert Moore.

 

Which senior people in racing had a major influence on you during your apprentice days? My father.

 

Which senior jockey did you idolize growing up? Gerald Turner and Jeff Lloyd.

 

Tell us about your first winner? My first winner was at Clairwood aboard Waves Of Argosy for trainer Jeff Freedman and owners Mr and Mrs Van Der Bank.

 

You hold the South African record for the most number of winners during an apprenticeship. Tell us about this achievement and how satisfying was it for you? It was obviously one of my most gratifying achievements as Muis Roberts held the record for 3 decades. I was, and am still incredibly humbled by it.

 

Which trainers gave you the most opportunities during your early days? Duncan Howells, Brian Wiid, Lance Wiid, Charles Laird and Erico Verdonese.

 

Mention some of the top quality horses that you were associated with during your apprentice days?  Kings Gambit, Natural Selection, Bound By Honour, Horatio, Captain Courageous, Singing Sword, The Decagon and Cup Of Grace.

 

How tough was it to make the transition to becoming a qualified jockey without any allowance? It was never tough, I was happy not to claim and to be riding on terms with the ‘big boys’.

 

Upon qualifying as a jockey, where were you based and which trainer’s supported you? I was based in JHB  and received tremendous support from most trainers including Sean Tarry, Erico Verdonese, Lance Wiid and of course Mike Azzie, a superb trainer and character of the game.

 

You have already been associated with some top horses during your relatively short career, most notably the brilliant filly DANCEWITHTHEDEVIL. Tell us about your association with her, her tremendous ability and your most memorable moment aboard the daughter of Modus Vivendi? I thank St John Gray for giving me the opportunity to ride this magical mare.  She had an amazing aura about her and she could outrun any horse no matter how far back she was. She had an electric turn of foot and unlike other horses she could maintain a finish for 700m. Winning the Summer Cup was most memorable and I will certainly enjoy watching her campaign in England.

 

How many Grade 1’s did you win on her? I won 3 on her.

How many Grade 1 races have you won to date? To date 8 but I am sure not going to stop there.

 

Mention some other top horses that you have been acquainted with? Kings Gambit, Wendywood, Pomodoro, Potala Palace, Aslan, Fisani, Flirtation, Earl Of Surrey, Control Freak, Queen’s Bay, On Her Toes, Silverpoint and Pylon.

 

You were beaten for the first time in three starts aboard last year’s July winner POMODORO in a Pinnacle Stakes at Greyville recently. The son of Jet Master obviously needed that run but ran on nicely at the finish. What type of feel did he give you and what do you make of his chances of defending his July crown, bearing in mind that he will shoulder top weight?  I have a very soft spot for Pomodoro and he is a horse that I have gelled well with. If I could pick any horse to ride in the July it would be him. Top weight or not, he is class. And I think his prep is going very well.

 

Speaking of the July, which horses have you earmarked as a potential winner? Pomodoro or Hill Fifty Four.

What are your options, in terms of a competitive ride? At this stage I haven’t yet secured a competitive ride.

 

For those trainer’s that are likely to read this, what is the minimum weight that you can make for the July?  55kgs.

 

You have represented South Africa in the International Jockey’s Challenge on a few occasions. However, the stand-out memory has to be when you claimed the Victor Ludorum over one series against some of the world’s great jockeys. What does that achievement mean to Gavin Lerena and what do you attribute your success to? Firstly hats off to my dad, who was instrumental in bringing out the Crème de la Crème.  To ride against the world’s best and come out on top was an amazing feat.  I am humbled and grateful for all my blessings.

Who is your favourite overseas jockey? Frankie Dettori, he is fun to be around and is a down-to-earth and truly nice person.

 

You have been really unfortunate when it comes to injuries. What has been the inspiration that keeps you coming back as strong as ever? For the love of the horse and there is no taste like victory.

 

Despite the major setbacks you have suffered this season, you have still ridden 79 winners. In total, how long were you out for, what injuries did you sustain and have you fully recovered?  I’ve been out for almost 4 months. I tore my bicep tendon and dislocated my shoulder following a fall in Zim and then in February, I smashed my foot coming out the starting gates leaving me with a fractured metatarsal and hematoma. I also had to remove a pin from a previous injury to my wrist.  I’m now fully recovered and raring to go.

What is your short-term target until the end of the season?  I want to finish in the top 10.

 

You have enjoyed great success in Zimbabwe over the years. Which trainer’s support you there and tell us about your experiences? I ride for Lisa Harris. Zimbabwe is just amazing for racing.  They always have a smile on their faces, win, lose or draw.

 

Tell us about the Borrowdale Park racetrack? Is it as beautiful as it appears on T.V.?  It’s a beautiful track to ride on.

 

You had a brilliant fight with Anton Marcus for last season’s National Jockey’s Championship and in the end finished a solitary winner behind him. You gave your all in the last few months and how difficult was it to accept defeat? It was very difficult to accept defeat by only 1 winner, but if there is one thing I can say, ‘I gave it my all’.  It was character building and I learnt a lot from the experience.

 

Many people have consoled you with words to the effect of, “You are still very young and your time will come”. Do you intend on making that time, very soon and if so, when? Firstly I believe you may be too old but never too young. I would love to win the 2014 championship but things would have to go my way. There is still so much I want to achieve and I believe the best is yet to come.

You now have the experience of chasing the championship and with Klawervlei’s great incentive of R250 000 for the winner, can we have an early bet on Gavin Lerena to win next season’s championship? I would like to think of myself as a good “each way” prospect. I’m sure I’ll prove to be good value for money.

Tell us about your rides at Turffontein on Saturday?

DOVER BEACH – She is working well and I give her a big chance of finishing in the first 3.

HILLBROW – I have never ridden him before. He ran a bad race at Scottsville but won his maiden at the Vaal over 1200m.

WHISTLER – She is a nice filly but may need further.

JUSTIN CREDIBLE – His work is good and I expect him to be competitive.

DRAGON FAY – He was unlucky last time and he will be competitive here.

To date, how many winners have you ridden in your career? Close to 930.

Which is the one Grade 1 race that you would like to win the most? Vodacom Durban July.

 

Mention a few of the more promising horses that you have ridden that the public can follow?  Shadow Line, Belle Coco, Rock Cocktail, Captainofmysoul and Lastbutnotleast.

 

How intense do you study form and do you make it your duty to watch replays of all the country’s racing? I try to dedicate an hour each day to disciplined study, so that I am as prepared as can be for every race I compete in.   I normally only watch the Jo’burg replays but if I’ve ridden in another centre, I make a point of watching that days racing.

What have been the most exciting moments in your career to date? There have been many special and exciting moments.

Winning the Sansui Summer Cup.  It was special to have all my family there to share the experience with me.

Winning two group 1 races on Gold Cup day 2011. Aslan for Sean Tarry and Potala Palace for Mike Azzie.

Winning two legs of the Triple Crown on Kings Gambit for Lance Wiid.

And not forgetting the title chase with Anton Marcus.

Do you do anything extra outside of riding work and race riding to keep yourself fit? Yes, I swim, run and play squash.

 

What advice can you offer to youngsters who wish to become a successful jockey? Obviously hard work and dedication. Be humble and never close doors. What you put in is what you’ll get out.

 

What are your short/long term ambitions for yourself in the racing game? It’s always been my dream to win the SA championship. I love riding group winners and I want to ride as many as I can.

 

Does the old maxim, “Behind every successful man is an equally successful woman,” apply to Gavin Lerena?  125% it does. I’m very fortunate to be engaged to Victoria Badenhorst. She understands me and the racing game. When I leave in the morning and come back at night, there is always a smile on her face that lights up my day, whether the day was good or bad.