Gabriell Pieterse, a 2nd year Apprentice at the South African Jockey Academy, who is currently based at Summerveld. Will have his first race ride as an apprentice jockey on Thursday 17 April at the Vaal racecourse, in the 8th race, aboard SINGASWEWIN trained by Grant Maroun.

Gabriell admits that he is very excited about the prospect of his first race ride, saying “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I signed my Racing Papers and want to thank Mr Maroun and the Owners, for the opportunity to ride their horse and turn my dream into a reality. I’m going try my hardest to follow my trainer’s instructions, do my best for the horse and ensure that my first ride is a qualifying ride.”

Gabriell is a 16 year old apprentice, who currently hails from Lusaka in Zambia, he and his family previously lived in Midrand, Johannesburg and he attended Briandale Primary School. Gabriell has a small but close and very supportive family that includes his Mom, Candice, Dad, Rudy, and smaller sister, Jade, who will be watching his first race ride with great interest from Zambia.

Gabriell is a motor sports fanatic, who has competed at the highest levels, winning 3 Zambian and 1 Southern African Motocross Championships 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 was interested in becoming 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 favourite jockey is, Anthony Delpech, who he feels is both a very successful jockey and good role model, who has a great riding style and is very balanced, which makes horses relax and run better.