Peter Mills
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our ex Chairman Peter Mills, after a long illness, that he fought with great determination.
Born in England, Peter trained as a mechanical engineer, starting his own company at the age of 26. By 1987 his group of companies were the UK’s major importers of CNC machine tools and had expanded to include divisions involved in finance, engineering services, aviation and property.
Having loved horseracing since and early age, which was the day Blue Peter won the 1939 Derby, it was no surprise that Peter turned his interest to horses. In the 1980’s he set up his own stud farm not far from Newmarket in England.
Peter and Libby were introduced to South Africa by Gary Player, and immediately fell in love with the country and its people. They emigrated in 1989 and so enjoyed racing in the Cape that they set about buying fillies and building up a high-class band of broodmares, which were kept at Arc-En-Ciel Stud in Wellington. Peter and Libby bred many good horses from their small band, including the Sceptre Stakes winner, Badger’s Cove and Empress Club Stakes Grade 1 winner, Little Miss Magic.
In 2001 Peter was appointed Chairman of the Cape Breeders, a position he held until 2005, when he was appointed as a Director of Gold Circle. In all the years that he served the industry so well, he will be remembered for his ready smile, kind words and the passion he had for horses.
Our condolences go to Libby, their children, family and friends: The Cape Breeders
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With a heavy heart we record the passing of our colleague and friend, Peter, who passed the finishing line for the last time on Sunday morning after an illness fought with courage and determination for the past few years.
“A smile for all, a heart of Gold One of the best this world could hold, Never selfish, always kind, What wonderful memories you left behind”Over many years, Western Province Horseracing was fortunate to have the services of Peter – a previous Committee member and Chairman of the Cape Breeders Club, a Western Cape Gold Circle Director and Steward – he also represented Western Province on the National Horse Racing Authority of South Africa Committee. He was a committed member of the Western Province Owners’ & Trainers’ Association for more than 20 years and was a keen racehorse owner and breeder, together with his wonderful wife Libby. He supported our WPOTA charity events every year for many years. Peter served horseracing with pride and distinction.
Our sincere condolences go to his wife Libby, their children, family members and friends. We will miss Peter – from: Rodney Dunn, the Committee, Staff and all the members of the Western Province Owners’ and Trainers’ Association
