Longines International Jockeys’ Championship winner Gavin Lerena hopes that a two-month stint in Hong Kong, which starts on Sunday, will lead to a full-time contract and the chance to emulate some of his childhood idols.
The South African jockey, who defeated some of the world’s best riders when taking the Happy Valley series during international week in December, returned to Sha Tin on Tuesday with his family in tow as he looks to build on that career-making success – and he couldn’t have been more clear about his goals for the stint.
“I definitely want to base myself here full-time,” the 30-year-old said. “But to do that, you need a base here. You need support and to build up relationships. I will be out to try and do that.”
“Growing up, some of my heroes were successful here, in particular Bartie Leisher. South African jockeys do well here – look at Felix Coetzee, Anthony Delpech, the Marcus brothers and of course Douglas Whyte. Hopefully, I can join them – I’m here to ride winners.”
Lerena has already forged a reputation as one of his country’s best riders, winning nine Group One races and breaking records before adding his first championship last year, but the jockey says that his IJC win remains his career highlight.
“December was special,” he said. “I’d never ridden at a venue like Happy Valley - it was a fantastic experience in front of an exciting crowd. I can’t wait to be doing it each week.”
