Apprentice jockey Brandon Louis is this year’s winner of the annual Damion Beckett Award for outstanding young riders.
Brandon, who grew up in Mauritius, started out as a stable hand at the Mauritius Turf Club where he learned about racing with the goal of becoming an apprentice jockey.
After a short stint in Singapore to learn his trade as a track rider, Brandon met Racing and Wagering Jockey Coach Peter Hall in Mauritius and joined the Apprentice Jockey Training Program.
Jockey Coach John Claite said he and Peter knew Brandon would make a great trainee from the start.
“Brandon’s qualities stood out from the rest of the trainees,” said John.
“Brandon showed initiative and dedication to his trackwork role, so his application to succeed and horsemanship allowed him to secure a role as an apprentice.”
The award, presented at the Carbine Club Luncheon today, was created in honour of apprentice jockey Damion Beckett who died when he and his mount Brace Buck were struck by lightning at Ascot trackwork in 1998.
After starting his apprenticeship with Neville Parnham, Brandon quickly proved his worth, receiving his permit to ride in 2018 and winning his first race on Vonus in the same year.
His passion and will to succeed later secured him a secondment at the Gangemi stable.
During the 2021/22 season he rode five metro winners and 28 other winners in regional WA and Tasmania.
Chief Racing Officer David Hunter agreed Brandon’s talent and determination were clear to see.
“Brandon’s riding record is testament to his hard work and dedication,” said David.
“His work ethic has been well noticed from many trainers and racing participants.”
As of November 2022, Brandon secured his 100th career win by riding five winners in three days.