Determination pays off for Louis in the Geraldton Cup

Brandon Louis may not be a fixture in the biggest races week in, week out, but his determination and humility have helped him carve out a respected career in the Australian riding ranks.

His journey since arriving in Australia has been defined by hard work, a positive outlook, and a firm belief in the value of persistence.

Louis confidently backs himself in the saddle, but he’s also a firm believer in the phrase: “the harder you work, the luckier you will get.”

The quote, often linked to golfing great Gary Player, became reality for Louis as he captured one of his most significant victories to date in the $125,000 Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m) on Sunday.

Riding Bambun Boy, Louis made the most of the opportunity, steering the gelding to a brilliant front-running victory from a wide draw.

He followed trainer Sue Olive’s instructions perfectly, allowing Bambun Boy to roll to the front and control the race tempo.

With pressure building in the straight, Louis dug deep and guided the seven-year-old to a ¾ length win over Royal Law.

For Louis, it was a satisfying achievement to join the list of Geraldton Cup-winning riders.

“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.”

During the race, Louis said he felt more confident as Bambun Boy traveled comfortably and got into a strong rhythm.

“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 being sent out at $13.40, Bambun Boy had solid credentials with a win and two runner-up finishes in his last three starts.

The win was a sentimental one for Olive and her team at Gold Front, just days after the death of Bambun Boy’s sire, Slater.

Fat Roy Slim closed well to take third, while the favourite Manavendra endured a tough run and faded out of contention.

Louis began his racing career in Mauritius as a stable hand, dreaming of becoming a jockey. He moved to Singapore to gain experience as a track rider, which eventually led to his discovery by Peter Hall.

Joining the Perth Apprentice Jockey Training Programme in 2018, Louis began his career under the guidance of Neville Parnham and celebrated his first win aboard Vonus.

Since then, he’s collected 166 career wins from nearly 2000 starts, with his standout season in 2023 yielding 38 victories.