Home » Profiles » ‘I’m My Own Top Owner!’-Trainer

‘I’m My Own Top Owner!’-Trainer

Garth Puller on life during and after the lockdown

While many South African trainers own too many horses in their own yards, Garth Puller had that reality driven home in no uncertain fashion when he enjoyed the honour of winning the KZN Owner of the Month accolade in January!

The former champion jockey was busy at his Summerveld yard when we spoke to him on Day 13 of the lockdown.

“It’s a reality that the lower to middle market owners have not been buying horses in numbers for some time. So for many trainers who don’t have the power of the big buying owners it’s a case of speculating and purchasing what we see as reasonably priced horses. We then put them together. It’s not always easy, but partnerships and syndicates at least make it affordable for the smaller man.  Thankfully, I have some nice horses, so they have been earning,” said the inaugural Hollywoodbets Sizzling Summer Challenge Champion trainer.

But Garth says that the coronavirus pandemic has obviously been a shocker from left field.

“You know, I always felt that if my yard was hit by a virus, I could move the horses on or at least make a plan. But with the industry in total shutdown, we now have no alternative outlet but to continue to feed and care for our horses and keep them fit and well maintained. Some trainers may have access to capital to inject and maintain the momentum. Others are less fortunate. It’s a bleak picture for them” he said, adding that unlike jockeys, trainers were also obliged to keep working.

Garth Puller – racing facing major challenges (Pic – Gold Circle)

“The professionals like Anton Marcus, and even a few lesser accomplished guys are still turning up regularly to assist with riding work. Then there are the jockeys who are either reluctant, or simply just too lazy, to work. They haven’t pitched. In this time, it’s a very personal choice, I suppose.”

He added that because of skeleton staff at Summerveld, the work was restricted to the sand tracks – there is no grass work.

“I must say that there is so much uncertainty, yet things are ticking over well here. The Grooms are well organised and the logistics are being properly handled. Sending money to their families, being one. In view of the fact that we don’t know when racing will start, given the uncertainty of the length of the lockdown, I have not been hard on my horses. I don’t want them leg weary. But I see some trainers are maintaining hard work. It’s all so fluid. We all have our own way of seeing things and trying to do the right thing.”

He said that it was hoped that the SA Champions Season would launch on 1 May as carded.

“We are in good hands here in KZN. We have racing people running the show who understand the game. The guys are looking at the situation and being as proactive as possible, within the constraints. The feature season will hopefully proceed. If there are delays, and many features are natural stepping stones and  lead-ins to another target race, we could be under pressure. If there are delays in May, they may have to ultimately look at extending the July to later in that month. But I’m thinking aloud and speculating. Who knows what will happen, right now?”

Garth conceded that the overall economic outlook for racing and the country as a whole was clearly desperate and felt that many smaller and medium-sized businesses will go bankrupt.

“I was reading how Africa has not had the same COVID-19 fallout rate as the rest of the world. Maybe we will be fortunate? But the longer we go with the lockdown, the more it must have a knock-on throughout the country. And I am sure that it must eventually further erode the owner ranks. Racing horses is like any hobby – some guys play golf– it’s a luxury pursuit. In the tough times ahead, covering basic expenses and rebuilding will be the priority for all of us.”

Have Your Say - *Please Use Your Name & Surname*

Comments Policy
The Sporting Post encourages readers to comment in the spirit of enlightening the topic being discussed, to add opinions or correct errors. All posts are accepted on the condition that the Sporting Post can at any time alter, correct or remove comments, either partially or entirely.

All posters are required to post under their actual name and surname - no anonymous posts or use of pseudonyms will be accepted. You can adjust your display name on your account page or to send corrections privately to the Editor. The Sporting Post will not publish comments submitted anonymously or under pseudonyms.

Please note that the views that are published are not necessarily those of the Sporting Post.

4 comments on “‘I’m My Own Top Owner!’-Trainer

  1. Donald says:

    On a recent Vaal card with 14 horses carded 11 were owned or partly owned by the trainers !

    That situation is not sustainable but unfortunately in a shrinking economy with poor executive management from the industries supposed leaders there is no light at the end of the tunnel to remedy this situation that I can see ?

  2. Leon Lotz says:

    In times like this ,reading how a real professional carry on ,give me real hope. Thank you Garth

    1. Editor says:

      Agree, Leon.
      GP always willing to talk to media -always open and forthcoming

  3. Selwyn Elk says:

    Garth used to refer to Bush Telegraph as his 5.00 o’clock horse, when I enquired why , he told me that it was one horse that he didn’t have to set his alarm to wake him to go and ride work on him in the morning

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

‹ Previous

MJ Byleveld (photo: hamishNIVENPhotography)

You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down!

Next ›

Sham Family Values

Recent Profiles

Join The Zac Attack!

Second Hong Kong Derby success

High Five For Rising Star Kelly!

From a quiet start in 2022, to a third place on the log

From ‘Zama-Zama’ to Gr1 Owner

Stinky Pooe's Inspiring Story

Bonji Hits The Highway!

'I love everything about horseracing'

Super Saffie Set For Friday

This girl is on fire!

When You Siya Chance, Take It!

Knock, knock, knocking on Opportunity's door...

The Big 60 Looms For Uncle Mike

South Africa's greatest racing ambassador

Kannemeyer Eyes Another Cape Derby

Letting his horses do the talking

Robbie’s On Solid Footing

Robbie had humble beginnings

Look Who’s Riding In The World Sports Betting Met

A visiting rider jets in for the big day

Kom’s On His Way Back

Kom is bullish about making a go of it again

Vaal Trainer Moves To KZN

It's becoming tough competing against the big guns

Chapter 1 – Mission Accomplished For Rachel!

No fancy cars or changes - life goes on for the champ

Okapi Ladies Race Could Be A Roll Of The Dice!

Okapi Ladies International 2024

Welll-Travelled Conditioner Sets Up In Hong Kong

New challenge for well-travelled Brit

New Cape Challenge For Lunga

New beginnings for passionate horseman

An Owner’s Rule Of Thumb

A chat with Andrew Brand

JP’s Flying Start In Cape

Exciting new beginnings for talented jockey