Alexanders head to Oz

Thoroughbred Racing South Australia announced on Monday the training partners will complete their season by mid-year and take up residence at the South Australian country circuit, which has been the subject of recent significant upgrades.

Gary Alexander has trained more than 1500 winners in South Africa over the past 30 years and his training partner and younger brother Dean said the development of Murray Bridge as a training centre of excellence was the catalyst for the pair’s decision to relocate.

“Gary and I are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and are super excited about the opportunity that has been afforded to us by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia,” Dean Alexander said.

“It is encouraging and attractive to see the facilities that will be available at Murray Bridge. From what we can gather this will be a world-class training facility and that is exactly where we want to be, in order to give our horses the best opportunity of success.”

The pair’s move to SA comes after Mathew De Kock, son of South African great Mike De Kock, has made a flying start to his new partnership with Cranbourne-based trainer Robbie Griffiths.

TRSA chief executive Nick Redin said the news of Gary and Dean Alexander’s decision has come after rising star Michael Hickmott becoming the Murray Bridge Racing Club’s foundation trainer after being allocated the first 30 on-course boxes at the facility.

“This ongoing investment in the industry is paying dividends,” Redin said.

“It’s great to see we’re now having international interest, further endorsing the Marshall Liberal Government’s resolve to invest in the industry and also TRSA’s funding decisions.

“Michael Hickmott said he changed his business model to be more involved with Murray Bridge. What a great vote of confidence, by a young, up-and-coming trainer, in the future of the club and the SA industry.”

Gary Alexander was granted his training licence in 1982, when he took over the reins from his father, Duncan. He went on to establish a world-class training facility at the famous Turffontein Racecourse and his winners tally includes more than 100 at Group and Listed level.

In 2000, Gary and Dean Alexander combined to set a South African record for the most stakes earned in one day, winning two G1s and a G2. The pair has twice trained six winners in a meeting at Turffontein. – racing.com

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