A decade after claiming his first National Jockeys’ title, Gavin Lerena is on the brink of winning it again — and this time, the numbers are in his favour. With 266 winners under his belt, Lerena holds a 16-win lead over defending champion Richard Fourie (250), heading into the final four meetings of the 2024/25 season following Saturday’s eight-race Standside meeting at Turffontein (26 July).
Back in 2015, Lerena made headlines by riding 42 winners in June — a South African monthly record — to seal the title, redeeming a heartbreak loss three years earlier to Anton Marcus on the final day. This season, he’s once again surged ahead late in the campaign, especially over the past six weeks, while rival Craig Zackey’s challenge faded due to injury, suspensions, and abandoned meetings.
Saturday offers Lerena a strong chance to cement the title. He partners Queensland in Race 1 — a promising filly who finished second on debut and has strong collateral form. In Race 3, Lerena reunites with Chieftain, a progressive speedster he steered to victory over this track and trip last month, and who looks poised to score again for Johan Janse van Vuuren.
Another key ride is Rafa Bay in Race 4, a transformed performer since joining Tony Peter’s stable. A dominant winner last time, he carries a six-point penalty but could repeat with ease. Lerena may not need the final two, but Max The Magician (Race 7) and Open Highway (Race 8) could provide the icing on the cake — potentially sealing his champion jockey status before next weekend’s Gold Cup meeting.
