Brandon Louis isn’t a name that regularly headlines major race days, but his dedication and humble nature continue to make a lasting impression in Australian racing.
Since relocating to Australia, Louis has built a reputation for being hard-working and consistently positive, earning the respect of jockeys, trainers, and racing fans alike.
Confident in his abilities but grounded in his mindset, Louis often reflects on a mantra he holds close: “the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”
It’s a mindset famously echoed by South African golfing legend Gary Player, and it came to life for Louis on Sunday when he claimed one of the biggest wins of his riding career in the $125,000 Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m).
Riding Bambun Boy, Louis took full advantage of the opportunity, executing a well-planned front-running ride that showed poise and class.
Sticking closely to the game plan set by trainer Sue Olive, he pushed forward from a wide gate and dictated the tempo with precision.
Holding off late challengers, Louis lifted Bambun Boy to a commanding win, edging clear by three-quarters of a length over Royal Law.
It was a moment Louis won’t forget.
“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.”
As the race unfolded, Louis said his belief in Bambun Boy grew, especially when the gelding found an easy rhythm in the back straight.
“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 went around at odds of $13.40, despite his solid recent form including a win and two placings from his last three runs.
The victory was particularly meaningful for Sue Olive and her Gold Front operation, coming shortly after the loss of Bambun Boy’s sire, Slater, who passed away just last week.
Fat Roy Slim ran into third, producing one of his better performances of late, while favourite Manavendra weakened to finish last after covering extra ground.
Louis began his career working behind the scenes as a stable hand at the Mauritius Turf Club before moving into trackwork riding in Singapore.
He eventually caught the attention of Peter Hall, who helped guide him into the Perth Apprentice Jockey Training Programme.
He kicked off his career under the guidance of Neville Parnham in 2018 and rode his first winner aboard Vonus. Since then, he’s racked up 166 wins from nearly 2000 rides, including a career-best 38 in 2023.
