Robert Bloomberg is a straight talking man with a great passion for racing. At the same time he is a shrewd buyer of horses and a consistently good punter. Above all that he sincerely wants the best for racing. Robert is a director of the NHA and it is to be hoped that he’ll be able to bring about some of the changes which he believes will be for the good of all in racing.
What is your name and age? Robert Bloomberg, 51 – sadly!
Where do you live? Clifton in Cape Town where I have lived for the past 20 years.
Tell us about your family? Married to Janine for 14 years. Daughter Casey (6) and step-son Josh (19)
Where do you originally come from and how did you get into the racing game? Born and bred in the Cape. My late grand-father Abe Bloomberg who was Chairman of the now defunct Cape Turf Club for some 30 years and was “Mr. Racing” stirred my interest. My first bet was on Jollify when he dead-heated with Sea Cottage in the 1967 Durban July. I was 8 years old!
In the 80’s you had a tipping service called “The Ringer”. How successful were you and what do you remember most of those days? It was extremely successful. I had an agent by the name of Hilly Ehrlich who gave me the nickname of “The Ringer” which has stuck ever since.
How happy have your family been about your close involvement with horse racing in your life? My father and I had a volatile relationship about my racing until I was around 30 before he saw the light. Whilst doing my articles at his and my grand-father’s law firm they fired me for attending the Met gallops one morning before work. I spent the rest of the year twiddling my thumbs! My wife hates racing and says she lives in a tote with an Egyptian, but is very understanding for which I thank her profusely.
Who have been the people who have had the greatest influence on you in horse racing? My grand-father as he single handedly showed how racing could and should be run.
You have the reputation of being very controversial. Has this made it easier or harder to put your point across when dealing with those in authority in racing? If being outspoken is regarded as controversial then so be it. I have never been a “yes man”, but like to think that I have become a little more diplomatic with age since I became one of those in “authority”. I think that most now recognize that change is necessary if racing is to survive.
Right now you are a Director of the National Horse Racing Authority. Do you feel you will be able to help steer racing away from the hard times it is experiencing at the moment? Hopefully we can uphold the integrity of the NHRA and continue to regulate the horseracing industry in a competent manner and work with the Racing Operators to ensure the betterment and longevity of the sport.
What are some of the things you would do, if given free rein to do so, which you think would bring back the enthusiasm and passion of the man in the street for the game? Employ topless and bottomless waitresses at all racecourses!
From what you have seen and experienced do you think there is too little co-operation between the various raceclubs and too much self interest on the part of those who should, or could, make racing the draw card it used to be? At times regrettably yes. For obvious reasons let’s move swiftly along!
You have been and still are a very successful racehorse owner. Apart from winning what gives you the most satisfaction about owning racehorses? Being able to identify a horse-in-training that is not perhaps fulfilling his true potential, purchasing him at an affordable price and then subsequently winning races with that horse.
Who have been the trainers you have been most successful with? Mike Bass with the likes of Dunford, African Lion and Joshua’s Princess and Joey Ramsden with horses like Winter Solstice and Kipketer. I’ve also had countless winners over the years with Geoff Woodruff, the Snaith’s, Tony Rivalland and Patrick Kruyer.
You have been very successful with horses bought from other stables, such as Dunford. What do you look for in these horses and what do you think of the prices being paid for horses like these nowadays? Versatility and a turn of foot. In this country it’s hard to find value now with the stakes that are on offer. For the overseas buyer though there is still great value.
Was there ever a time when you wanted to quit horseracing and walk away from the game? Constantly, especially from an administrative point of view. The lure of owning a horse or two and the odd punt which I enjoy will however always keep me interested.
Is there a most memorable moment in your time in racing or are there a couple which stand out? Winning the July with Dunford is a complete standout particularly as when I purchased him he had won a solitary race from 8 starts. It was my own Sea Biscuit story. Winning 9 GR1 races with Winter Solstice – Queen’s Plate twice, Champions Cup and Gold Challenge as well as the Horse of the year title, African Lion – Champions Cup, Quick Wit – Germiston November Handicap and Cordocelli – Cape Flying Championship twice (back-to-back) are other notable highlights.
Which do you consider to be best horse you have ever owned? Winter Solstice.
Which is the best horse you have seen in your time in racing? In SA – Horse Chestnut. Overseas – Secretariat (not in the flesh unfortunately)
Is there any particular personality, past or present, that you particularly admired and feel could be an example to all in the racing game? Barney Curley – a racing legend who has pulled off some of the greatest betting coups.
How keen are you to race any of your horses overseas if they are good enough? I would always be keen with the right animal. I had a share in Trademark in the 1st season SA horses raced in Dubai, but we sold him to the Sheik after he ran an unlucky 3rd on debut. He subsequently won consecutive G2 races in the USA. Winter Solstice was invited to participate in the Breeder’s Cup and in the Asian Mile Series, but sadly injured his tendon prior thereto.
Do you think success of SA trainers, jockeys and owners overseas will do anything to bring the crowds back to the racecourse? No. That’s the part of a marketing department something which needs serious attention.
Which do you consider to be the most promising horse racing in the country right now? Very hard question as the top horses are all Dubai bound and it’s exceedingly early in the season, but probably Pierre Jourdan.
What are your short term ambitions for racing in South Africa right now? I would like to see the bookmakers making a contribution to the running of racing. Dean Finder will tell you that they contribute around 100 million annually, but that’s actually the punter’s tax they are paying over. They now do in excess of 50% of the total turnover in racing, yet contribute zero to the funding of the NHRA which is completely wrong. I would also like to see the open bet outlawed despite the current court ruling.
Do you know how many winners you have owned in your career to date? No idea, but well over 300.
Which do you rate the best horse in the Cape right now? Bravura if he comes back the same horse.
Which horses would you think are worth following over the next couple of months? What A Winter and Castlethorpe.
What are the traits you consider would help to make an apprentice, and then a jockey, stand out over his rivals? Professionalism, dedication, determination and temperament.
Have you any preference as to which type of horse you own be they sprinters or stayers? Like the majority of woman I prefer stayers!
How interested in the breeding side of the game are you? Not overly. I currently have shares in two decent mares, Joshua’s Princess who has a smashing yearling filly by Jet Master to be sold at the new Cape Sale in January and who very recently had another foal by the same sire. She is going to Captain Al this season. My other mare is Sarkara who was multiple group placed. She recently had a filly by Var who is a 3 parts sister to Vacherin. She will now be going to Seventh Rock.
Which stallions excite you as a follower of the game? Jet Master, Western Winter, Captain Al and Dynasty.
Which tracks do you think give horses the fairest chance to win? The ones with a long straight – Kenilworth new course, Turffontein standside track and Clairwood.
Which jockey’s do you particularly hold in high regard in this Country? Without being biased as we are close personal mates, I rate Anton Marcus the best because he makes the fewest mistakes. How often do you see him ride a bad race? His placement of horses, judgment of pace and never-say-die attitude is admirable and he is certainly up there with the best in the world. I also admire Felix Coetzee, another good mate of mine, for his ability, professionalism and incredible work ethic and sheer will to win and Bernard Fayd’Herbe for his fearlessness, coolness under pressure and strength in a finish. This Country is blessed with some really great riders as we have witnessed both locally and abroad.
What do you consider to be the greatest lessons you have learned about racing in your career to date? From a betting perspective – when punting and you are losing don’t chase and bet bigger because you’ll just fall in. From an owning perspective – cherish each of your horses wins as it could be their last.
Is there anything about the racing game which really displeases you and what do you think can be done about this? Plenty, but the jealously and the back-stabbing throughout the industry really irks me above all else particularly when some contribute so much of their time free of remuneration yet are merely criticized openly and on certain websites.
What would you consider to be your biggest achievement in your career up until now? Winning the Durban July. In SA you don’t get bigger than that.
What is your opinion of the merit rating system as it presently stands and is there anything you would like to see changed? I recently chaired a sub-committee representing the industry with Tony Rivalland and Vee Moodley where after consultation with representatives from all the provinces we were tasked with amending the protocols and guidelines currently being used by the handicappers. Whilst this goes against the grain of true handicapping, it was what the majority of the industry wanted. Personally, I don’t like the merit rating system, but its here to stay whether we like it or not.
Do you get nervous when you have had a big bet on a horse? It depends on your definition of a big bet because what people think I put on a horse compared to what I actually bet is really quite laughable, but no I don’t get nervous.
What advice if any do you have for punters? Always try and look for value. Never punt odds-on shots on the nose. It’s the quickest way to the poor house. Rather take a double so that the odds are in the black.
What is your philosophy on the racing game? Always expect the unexpected – this game is a great leveler.
From what you have observed of racing do you think the game is straight? Most definitely yes. The few who try and cheat eventually get caught anyway.
If you had one piece of advice for your fellow associates in the racing world what would it be? All men are equal.
Have you any preference as to which type of horse you own be they sprinters or stayers? Like the majority of woman I prefer stayers!
How interested in the breeding side of the game are you? Not overly. I currently have shares in two decent mares, Joshua’s Princess who has a smashing yearling filly by Jet Master to be sold at the new Cape Sale in January and who very recently had another foal by the same sire. She is going to Captain Al this season. My other mare is Sarkara who was multiple group placed. She recently had a filly by Var who is a 3 parts sister to Vacherin. She will now be going to Seventh Rock.
Which stallions excite you as a follower of the game? Jet Master, Western Winter, Captain Al and Dynasty
Which tracks do you think give horses the fairest chance to win? The ones with a long straight – Kenilworth new course, Turffontein standside track and Clairwood.
Which jockey’s do you particularly hold in high regard in this Country? Without being biased as we are close personal mates, I rate Anton Marcus the best because he makes the fewest mistakes. How often do you see him ride a bad race? His placement of horses, judgement of pace and never-say-die attitude is admirable and he is certainly up there with the best in the world. I also admire Felix Coetzee, another good mate of mine, for his ability, professionalism and incredible work ethic and sheer will to win and Bernard Fayd’Herbe for his fearlessness, coolness under pressure and strength in a finish. This Country is blessed with some really great riders as we have witnessed both locally and abroad.
What do you consider to be the greatest lessons you have learned about racing in your career to date? From a betting perspective – when punting and you are losing don’t chase and bet bigger because you’ll just fall in. From an owning perspective – cherish each of your horses wins as it could be their last.
Is there anything about the racing game which really displeases you and what do you think can be done about this? Plenty, but the jealously and the back-stabbing throughout the industry really irks me above all else particularly when some contribute so much of their time free of remuneration yet are merely criticized openly and on certain websites.
What would you consider to be your biggest achievement in your career up until now? Winning the Durban July. In SA you don’t get bigger than that.
What is your opinion of the merit rating system as it presently stands and is there anything you would like to see changed? I recently chaired a sub-committee representing the industry with Tony Rivalland and Vee Moodley where after consultation with representatives from all the provinces we were tasked with amending the protocols and guidelines currently being used by the handicappers. Whilst this goes against the grain of true handicapping, it was what the majority of the industry wanted. Personally, I don’t like the merit rating system, but its here to stay whether we like it or not.
Do you get nervous when you have had a big bet on a horse? It depends on your definition of a big bet because what people think I put on a horse compared to what I actually bet is really quite laughable, but no I don’t get nervous.
What advice if any do you have for punters? Always try and look for value. Never punt odds-on shots on the nose. It’s the quickest way to the poor house. Rather take a double so that the odds are in the black.
What is your philosophy on the racing game? Always expect the unexpected – this game is a great leveler.
From what you have observed of racing do you think the game is straight? Most definitely yes. The few who try and cheat eventually get caught anyway.
If you had one piece of advice for your fellow associates in the racing world what would it be? All men are equal.
(First published in Winning Form).
John Koury
Editor
George McDonald
Joao Da Mata
