Loyalty is a rare trait in the modern day game. Whether it is a trainer- jockey or trainer- owner relationship, few stand the test of time and the rough and tumble of everyday life in a game that tames lions.
It is against this background that Woodhill Racing trainer Glen Kotzen was thrilled to saddle his century of winners for longstanding owner-breeder Peter De Beyer at Kenilworth on Guineas Day.
Peter De Beyer (lilac shirt on right) joins the happy lead in (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Their first winner together was the appropriately named Centenary gelding Ton Up who won an E Division 1200m at Kenilworth on 12 November 2005 under Marthinus Mienie.
From that humble beginning fast forward to Saturday and the Marchfield gelding Parade March (coincidentally also bred by Peter De Beyer) shed his maiden in good style as the shadows lengthened after a classic day of racing.
“He is a nice gelding who looks to stay on in time. He has been knocking hard and had no luck last time. Bernard (Fayd’herbe) rode a good race here and he was too good for them. They could have some fun with him,” said Glen Kotzen as he congratulated Peter De Beyer on his 100 winner mark and thanked him for the support.
“Peter is in racing for the longhaul. He has had some great success at Gr1 level as an owner and breeder and understands the game. That makes a big difference for me as the trainer as it’s a labour of love and patience and a team effort to really get the best out of our horses. I hope we can now aim for 200,” said Glen.
Bernard Fayd’herbe guides Parade March to victory (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Peter, whose father and uncles were all interested in racing, has owned some tremendous horses over the years, with his fillies having done particularly well.
Arguably the best horse he has had anything to do with, was the wonderful filly Princess Victoria. Peter took a share in Princess Victoria after trainer Glen Kotzen selected her at the 2010 National Sale.
Princess Victoria-Champion filly
The daughter of Victory Moon went on to become one of the most popular racemares of recent times and was named an Equus Champion at both two and three. “The Princess”, as she was known to her legions of fans, was also a great bargain – she cost R325 000 at the 2010 National Yearling Sale, and went on to earn over R2.1 million.
Bred by Maine Chance Farms, Princess Victoria won 10 races, with her Grade 1 wins including a score in the 2011 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas. She also ran third to the mighty Variety Club in the Gr1 Cape Premier Yearling Sales Guineas, defeating the top class colts Gimmethegreenlight and Heavy Metal in the process.
As good as Princess Victoria was, her part owner admits to also having a soft spot for former star Lady Windermere.
The latter gave Peter his first success in a graded stakes race when winning the 2008 Gr2 Tony Taberer Southern Cross Stakes.
The daughter of Western Winter was subsequently named Equus Champion 3yo filly following her successes in both the Gr1 SA Fillies Sprint and Gr1 Garden Province Stakes. She also won the Sceptre Stakes in 2009.
