We understand the game well enough, so we’ve got our feet on the ground. You don’t anticipate trouble, but you’ve got to get to the race well and sound. He wouldn’t be first horse to scratch because something went wrong, so we’ve just got to hope and pray that he stays well until then
As they say, a change is as good as a holiday and judging by his results, Cape trainer Glen Puller may just be on to something.
Vaughan has firm ideas on horses and how they should be raised and is not afraid to put his money where his mouth is – or to take it on the chin when things don’t go his way.
Racing’s old guard have seen a lot of things come and go and marvelled at surviving the lot, knowing that a good life is measured by simple things – a good woman, a good friend, a good horse and a good dog.
My life has been extraordinary thanks to horses. I’ve bred them, sold them, raced them, managed studs all over the world – it’s been a wonderful life. I must thank the Lord for giving me all these opportunities. And I’m still learning – that’s the wonderful thing about the horse – you always keep learning.
Avontuur Estate’s Michael Taberer chats to us about the farm’s history, how they bought Oratorio and their plans for the future.
Behind the affable exterior is a committed, dedicated professional with a ferocious work ethic
“South Africa produces some of the world’s best jockeys. And up until three months ago any one of the eight top jocks on the log were major opponents. Sure, it may well have come down to a two-horse race between myself and S’manga Khumalo now. And I am honoured and privileged, whatever happens. But I don’t intend resting on my laurels just yet.”
Three out of the last four Summerhill School of Management Excellence Graduates have gone on to finish top of their class at the English National Stud. We meet the latest star student, Ashlee Hammond
It’s a very tough industry, it’s very fickle and jockeys’ careers are not long. To get all those well wishes and messages – words can’t describe it. It’s very overwhelming.
‘I called the owner and before I could even make the offer he excitedly told me that a certain South African bookmaker had just called 10 minutes earlier to make an offer of R5m’
