Home » Profiles » Yadav’s Living The Dream

Yadav’s Living The Dream

Open boxes at Summerveld!

“There’s never been a better time to race in KwaZulu-Natal.” Those are the words of Yadav Singh, the trainer of Summerveld’s smallest operation after last week’s announcement that racing on the East Coast will follow the Cape and soon fall under the umbrella of the RaceCoast Incentive Scheme powered by Hollywoodbets.

With stakes also falling in line with what the Cape offers and appearance, saddling and riding fees being paid to the owner, trainer and jockey of KZN runners, things are looking up and it was just 24 hours after Greg Bortz and his team made the good news announcement at Summerveld last Tuesday that Yadav Singh saddled a long overdue winner in the shape of the Sita Govender-raced Chakpori.

Yadav Singh – plenty of open boxes and ready to welcome new patrons (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)

The Normandy Stud-bred Potala Palace filly was purchased online and was no great shakes when based with the powerful Snaith Racing Team.

“She is not straightforward. In fact she was stone dilly when she got here! But she has paid her way and settled in beautifully. Sita Govender is the most patient and generous owner so there was no pressure. Her victory capped a great week after the news of the stakes and incentives the previous day!”

Yadav Singh got the horseracing bug from his Dad, Jayraj, an owner of some forty years standing and a Life Member of Gold Circle. Dad raced with Doug Campbell and David Payne.

Educated at St Mary’s in his primary school days, Yadav left Merebank Secondary School at the end of Grade 10 and enrolled as an equestrian student at the SA Jockey Academy where he completed his grade 11 and grade 12.

With a hunger for knowledge, the enthusiastic Yadav made lifelong friends and thrived in the environment of camaraderie and horses.

“I had the privilege of being educated with top guys who were there at the same time. Amongst others, Gavin Lerena, Aldo Domeyer, Sean Veale, the late Chris Puller and Randall Simons, who coincidentally rode my first ever winner as a trainer, Dane Delight at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 7 June 2008.”

Yadav became South Africa’s youngest licenced trainer at age 21 in 2007 after learning from some of the best. He was initially based at Clairwood, within a stone’s throw of the Singh family home, in the halcyon days of Corinne Bestel, Charles Laird, Tyrone Norton and Jeff Freeman.

“While still at the Academy I commenced my Stable Employee’s licence process, working for Alistair Gordon and Ron Phillips. I also enjoyed three invaluable months with Gary Alexander in the days of Icy Air and James Jaguar. After I matriculated I spent two years with Noelene Peech as an assistant at Summerveld, and then valuable time with Tony Rivalland, Weiho Marwing, and the late Cyril Naidoo. A great varied grounding for which I am most privileged!” adds Yadav.

His wife is a retail manager and the Singhs have a 16 year old daughter and a 13 year old son.

We asked how he made a living with just three horses to train.

“We are conservative folk and don’t have any frills. My ambition was actually to be a pilot. But the racing bug was already in my veins and I have loved every moment of it. And even though I have only 3 of 22 boxes filled as we speak, I wouldn’t turn back the clock for anything – including the glamour and thrills of being a well-paid airline pilot,” reflects Yadav with a broad smile.

In a nutshell, Yadav offers a personalized service and horses that may be lost in other larger operations could benefit from the Singh Racing TLC.

“I can offer personal attention, integrity, top notch communication and an unconditional love of the horse. Maidens and Grade 1 horses are treated with equal love. They are all a champion in our yard. My door is open, we have 19 empty boxes. Please feel free to contact me.”

 

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.

2 comments on “Yadav’s Living The Dream

  1. Frankie Zackey says:

    Frankie Zackey… Sad Sad Sad… Here’s a man that has give his whole life to horseracing. and is struggling to get owners on board,, I’m very surprised that the poor guy has only got 3 horses,,working with very decent trainers and hearing what hard worker Yadev is,,surely Yadav deserves a decent break…It’s surprising that the Indian community have not been supportive… Yadav if you get to read my comment you need to put your pride aside and start hunting for owners… I’m pretty sure that Hollywoodbets will be supportive if approached knowing that the Indian community have very loyal to Hollywoodbets for many many years… I wouldn’t be shy or embarrassed to email or call a few big owners for supported…With the right approach explaining your situation,, I’m pretty sure that they will give you a chance with a few of their weaker horses that still have something left in them… I’ve always believed that the bigger yards just haven’t got the time to take care of horses that have a bit of issues,, and I say this with no disrespect to the bigger yards….if I’m not mistaken I think we only have 3 Indian trainers in KZN… Anyway I wish you all the best going forward and hope that their are a few owners that will support you…

  2. Gavin Bechan says:

    The Indian community are the biggest supporter of Hollywood bets but they will not support Yadav.. very sad ..time we need.to.make a change

Leave a Reply

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

‹ Previous

In The Footsteps Of Her Father

Next ›

Mike and Mathew de Kock will become training partners in 2025 (Pic - Mike de Kock Racing)

Mat Returns Home Amid ‘Renewed Confidence’

Recent Profiles

The Judge Has Spoken: Warren Eisele

Harrison has Eisele In The Box Seat

Murphy Set To Be Crowned Champion

Changing of priorities

Shaya Strikes With His First Winner

A young man with a bright future

There Is Life After Racing

In The Box Seat

Sansa Stark Takes Piet To Cusp Of Century Of Winners

Milnerton trainer is daring to dream

Kundanika’s ‘Hooked For Life’!

A rare Dad-Daughter owners' moment

Frikkie’s World Of Experience

In The Box Seat - Frikkie Greyling

Juanita’s Big In Africa – And Big In Japan!

Changing lives and making a difference for Work Riders

Mauritian Rider’s Unique Journey

Challenges and adjustments the order of the day

Durban July Victory Was Alec’s Highlight

Alec shares his thoughts on the current TCO2 issues

Britney Excited About New Hong Kong Season

New season starts on Sunday 8 September

Damyan Grabs His First Winner In Style

Sunday 1 September will always be special for the Pillays

Philile Zuma Is Blazing New Trails

Far End Farm's new dynamo

Muzi – Always A Factor In A Finish

A true competitor - Muzi is 1 behind Sean Veale

SA Champ Visits Australia

SA star keeps his eye in ahead of Hong Kong season

Jacey’s First Winner Joy

A promising youngster with a good seat

Opportunity Knocks – Cape Caller Heads To Malaysia

23 year old intends to make the most of it!

KZN’s Voice Of The People

The rush and roar remains unforgettable