Life Member of the Month – January – Jonathan Gerber

The Racehorse Owners Association is proud to celebrate Jonathan Gerber as our Life Member of the Month in the January edition of ROA Today.

Jonathan’s journey into horseracing has deep familial roots. His father, former Springbok, Mickey Gerber, owned a few racehorses, sparking Jonathan’s early connection to the sport. Fond childhood memories include accompanying his father and grandfather (“Poppa”) to watch the horses train and getting an ice cream afterwards, serving as the highlight of these visits. His Poppa also used to take a bet on the weekends and would listen to races on the radio, which Jonathan fondly remembers. Later, his late brother and prominent racehorse owner, Chris Gerber, played a pivotal role in reintroducing him to horseracing. Together, the brothers shared many cherished moments on and off the track.

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Jonathan attended King Edward VII School (KES), an institution he remains closely tied to through his involvement in the TAG Foundation. The TAG Foundation’s mission is to provide financial and emotional support to deserving children in the community.  By partnering with renowned Johannesburg institutions King Edward VII School in Houghton and Parktown High School for Girls in Parkview, the foundation aims to create an environment where every TAG Foundation learner has the opportunity to thrive and achieve and reach their full potential.

Jonathan’s professional journey is equally impressive. He currently owns TAG Travel, a travel company he established in 2007. Before founding TAG, he served as a director of a listed travel and tourism company, showcasing his extensive experience and leadership in the industry. He spends a great deal of time travelling and is especially passionate about all that South Africa has to offer.

Horses currently owned by Jonathan include shares in East Coast now trained by Alan Greeff since moving from the Highveld, Exchange Student trained by Candice Dawson and Copper John trained by Alec Laird, who are all actively racing, he also has shares in a few two-year-olds syndicated with Gary Basel. Jonathan mentions he has shares in four mares standing at Moutonshoek, including Saphire Ring, Bize, Always Red and Secret Alley. Past horses who provided him with joy and success include Malteme, Sunset Eyes, Gambado, Bize, Blue Rake, Viva Voce and Bilboa. Alec Laird is his predominant trainer, and he has had horses previously conditioned by Mike de Kock, Brett Crawford, Peter Muscutt, Candice Dawson and Robbie Sage.

Jonathan’s favorite racing memory includes two special moments he described as being “unreal”. The first was winning the 2006 Summer Cup with his late brother and a few other partners in a horse named Malteme, trained by Alec Laird. He added: “Box 10 has never been the same since and it was just the most fabulous experience from start to finish”. The second memory is truly special, and this was witnessing Rainbow Bridge winning the 2019 Cape Town Met in his late brother’s honour, he says: “Colin Gordon and I made the most of that day and is a day that will never be replaced, it was also special as my kids Amy & James shared the experience with us”. Chris left an indelible mark on the racing industry, not only as a respected owner and breeder but also as a beloved figure among racing patrons. Jonathan carries forward that legacy with pride, his enduring commitment reflects the values and love for the sport shared by his family.

Outside of racing, working and travelling, Jonathan’s love for sport is evident. He is a dedicated supporter of the Springboks and the “Reds” of KES, he also enjoys cricket, golf, and football.

Jonathan was thrilled to have achieved Life Membership status at the ROA and appreciates that the Association takes care of his horseracing interests and needs, adding that it is a trustworthy and reliable organization. He also enjoys the owner’s bonuses offered.

We honour Jonathan, not just for his long-standing membership with the ROA but for his deep-seated passion for horseracing and his unwavering support to South Africa, within the racing community, through the work of the Tag Foundation, and his passion for all the beauty this country has to offer through travel. We wish the Gerber Family a wonderful 2025 and a great racing season.