The happiest man at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Wednesday was Apprentice Gabriell Pieterse who booted home the first winner of his short career.
Riding Spring Breeze for trainer Nathan Kotzen, young Pieterse led for most of the journey and kept his mount beautifully balanced all the way to the line to win the third race. He never panicked or went for the crop.
Gabriell Pieterse – first winner and all smiles (Pic- Candiese Marnewick)
He told post-race interview Paul Lafferty that ‘it was amazing – I’m ecstatic’ after scoring at his 33rd ride.
Gabriell hails from Lusaka in Zambia. He and his family previously lived in Midrand, Johannesburg where he attended Briandale Primary School..
Gabriell is a motor sports fanatic, who has competed at the highest levels, winning 3 Zambian Motocrosse Championships and 1 Southern African Motocrosse Championship in the 65 and 85cc classes.
He also used to play polocrosse competitively for the Leopards Hill Club in Zambia until his motocross success forced him to dedicate all his free time to two wheel racing.
Gabriell became a jockey after it was suggested to him by his Grandfather, as it allowed him to combine his love for horses and his passion for speed and competition.
His idol is Anthony Delpech, who he feels was both a very successful jockey and good role model. He admired Delpech’s balanced riding style, which he says makes horses relax and run better.
Gabriell has a small but close and very supportive family that includes his Mom, Candice, Dad, Rudy, and younger sister, Jade
