SA Horseracing recently took time out to find out more about Kaidan Brewer who is a 3rd year apprentice at the SA Jockey Academy who recently celebrated his 18th birthday.
Do you have any family connections to racing? If yes please elaborate.
My dad has owned horses in the past.
How did you get involved in becoming an apprentice?
My dad introduced me to the Academy as he knew that I was interested in becoming a jockey.
How long have you had aspirations to become a jockey?
I have wanted to be a jockey since 2008 when I watched the dead heat in the July between Pocket Power and Dancer’s Daughter.
Is there any special traits especially or requirements one needs for the profession?
You need to be courageous and have a determination to succeed in the sport.
How do you keep fit physically and mentally?
Riding work in the mornings and keeping positive and happy.
Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
Anthony Delpech inspired me when I was younger and I look up to Lyle Hewitson, Luke Ferraris and Grant van Niekerk.
Who is your favourite jockey and why?
Grant van Niekerk because he is very relaxed on horses and he knows how to get the most out of them.
What are the qualities or attributes that an apprentice needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Hard work, commitment, and the ability to never give up.
What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
I aspire to win the Golden Horse Sprint as it is run in my hometown.
Where is your favourite racetrack?
Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse.
What would you like to see changed in racing?
More people at races.
Give us an example of what you have learnt about racing riding (or work riding) specific to your technique or weakness that you have worked on successfully?
Getting stronger, riding confidently, and making decisions in races.
Where do you see yourself in the future in this racing industry?
Champion Apprentice and Champion Jockey.
What are you most proud of outside your riding career?
I am most proud of my family and how well my sister is doing in University. I am proud to be part of a family with so much love and support.
What advice would give someone keen in getting involved in becoming an apprentice?
Keep persevering, even if things aren’t looking up.
If you could ride any horse from any time past or present who would it be and why?
Definitely Pocket Power because he won the Cape Town Met and the Vodacom Durban July in 2008. I would have loved to ride him.
Why is the SA Jockey Academy the best place to train as an apprentice?
The Academy supports you through all of your decisions, corrects all mistakes, and strives for perfection. They have also trained many champion jockeys who I strive to be as good as or even better.
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