A Year in Review
This year’s Off The Record columns covered a wide range of ground, but a common thread ran through them: voices worth listening to and moments worth preserving. This wrap reflects on some of the quotes and anecdotes from the 45 columns in 2025 that added colour, context and humanity to the sport. The year started with OTR # 58, a fun piece on bizarre predictions for the racing industry entitled, Things That May Or May Not Happen in 2025.
Above: Masked horses at Turffontein (image: Grok AI)
They included the following vision for February 2025: “NHA CEO, Vee Moodley, introduces ‘Blowback’, a flatulence control syrup for horses, trainers, jockeys and officials - mandatory on race days. The syrup is administered via a syringe (squirted into horses’ mouths) and a spoonful each given by a duty nurse to humans. ‘Climate change is a serious problem and we know that excess wind passed by animals and humans can hurt the ozone layer,’ Moodley comments. The nurse arrives late at the first race meeting, which is delayed as a result.” This outlandish prediction, and none of the others, actually materialised but some came surprisingly close. More outrageous forecasts will be made for 2026 in the first Off The Record column in the new year, scheduled for 10 January – a don’t miss!
Above: Laurence Wernars with Natalie Turner of the ROA (image: JC Photographics)
Leading owner Laurence Wernars told the success story of his life in OTR59, and also spoke on the topic of attracting new money and fresh talent to the sport, saying: “There’s plenty of money circulating, but it’s concentrated at the top of the pyramid. The younger generation – the ones we hope to bring into the fold – are often economically disadvantaged. They simply don’t have the means to participate. Those who do have it, tend to prioritise partying above all else. They enjoy coming to the races, but more for the glitz and glamour than the sport itself.
“The only way we’ll generate interest and investment from the influential black market is if we can get more young black role models into horseracing, for example businessman Patrice Motsepe or soccer star Siphiwe Thsabalala. But they look at the game differently than we do. There is work to do to get them involved.”
Wernars also expressed his hope for unity in the industry, a sentiment shared by retiring television host, Cecil Mthembu, in OTR62. Mthembu said: “In racing, I hope we reach a point of unity. There are many talented and passionate individuals in the industry, including some bright and open-minded young people. Even if there are two operators, I hope that one day, SA racing can speak with one voice.”
On Classic Day at Turffontein in March, seven of the ten races on the card – including all three Grade 1 events – were won by horses owned, either fully or in partnership, by Indian individuals. Owner Dayalan Chinsammy commented in OTR66: “Years ago there were only a handful of Indian owners but now there are a lot of us getting involved. We love racing and betting. I think the new people coming into racing are satisfied with the changes that were made at political and corporate levels to accommodate people of colour. Some time ago the track was dead, it’s now lively again and we have our people participating with great enthusiasm.
“I’m seeing a surge of Indian individuals, including young people, entering racing. Some time ago the track was dead, it’s now lively again and we have our people participating with great enthusiasm. On the top floor of the private suites, Indian owners have secured boxes 17, 18 and 20 for themselves, friends and clients. On race days those facilities are full of spirited racing fans.”
Above: Ryan Munger (image: JC Photographics)
Jockey Ryan Munger, who has made a big name for himself in Canada, explained some of the reasons for his rapid improvement as a rider in OTR69. He said: “The other thing trainers in Canada insist on, is changing leads. They want to see their horses switch to their most comfortable leg at the right time during a race. To them, this is even more important than securing a good early position from a favourable draw. They’d rather have a horse running three wide, but changing legs at the right moment. Balance and good timing are crucial skills that come with practice.
“Often, it’s these factors that make the difference between winning and losing. That’s why South Africans like Piere Strydom and Andrew Fortune are so exceptional at what they do and have enjoyed such longevity in their careers. Just when you think you’ve outsmarted them in a race, they come back to beat you. They are masters of the race-defining riding skills, always a step ahead when it matters most.”
OTR73 dealt with the high and recently improving level of competence in graduates from the South African Jockeys Academy (SAJA), where during the course of the year Academy Principal, Marius Nel, introduced expert lectures to help young apprentices with life skills on top of riding skills. Seasoned horsemen Gavin van Zyl and Louis Goosen assisted in this respect and Goosen said: “Each one of them is a brand, and they need to understand how to market themselves effectively. We’ve already seen the impact of our work, including an increase in competitiveness between the individual apprentices. Mindsets are changing. Trainers are noticing the apprentices energised and running with purpose from ring to ring during morning gallops.”
In OTR76, we related unusual stories from the weird and wonderful world of horses and horseracing. They’re the kind of stories that remind us that horses have been revered for centuries, and that the sport of kings isn’t just about odds and betting coups.
We called for the establishment of a National Racing Hall Of Fame in OTR77. “What’s clear now is that all the key stakeholders in South African racing appear to agree on one thing: it’s time to begin. A National Racing Hall of Fame, supported by a central, publicly accessible data hub and, ultimately, a dedicated racing museum, has started to gain traction. There is a genuine willingness among industry leaders to engage with the idea and take the first steps. While its full realisation will depend on the direction South African racing takes in the years ahead, the foundation for something meaningful is not yet in place, but the conversation has begun.”
Retired Gauteng starter Herman van der Westhuizen shared some insights in OTR85, and asked where he believed things could be improved, he noted: “I believe today’s apprentices are being trained on horses that are too calm, too easy. They walk quietly in circles around the paddocks, and you have to push them hard just to get them to break into a canter. Back in the day, the old-school jockeys trained on horses that were tough to handle. They’d buck wildly, or take off and you had to stop them yourself, come what may. And that’s the point: when you learn on difficult horses, you’re far better at the start.”
Above: Louis Nhlapo (image: JC Photographics)
In a tear-jerker, OTR92, entitled ‘Beyond The Darkness’, jockey Louis ‘Yster’ Nhlapo explained how his career was brought to an abrupt halt in 2015 by a personal tragedy that left him and his wife in pieces.
Earlier this year, the accomplished Herman Brown (jr), returned to the training ranks, discussed in OTR61, and we told the interesting life story of Brown’s friend and former assistant, the unassuming Frank Robinson, in OTR101. Robinson’s 100-1 outsider Mocha Blend won the R6-million 2025 Betway Summer Cup, and he shared some of his unconventional training methods.
Above: Golden Loom (Image: JC Photographics)
HGF Kenney (83), racecourse photographer for 50 years, shared his experiences in OTR94 and OTR95. We also paid tribute to the glittering careers of past equine greats including National Currency (OTR64), Harry’s Charm (OTR90 and OTR91) and Golden Loom (OTR97).
We want to thank our readers for following Off The Record throughout the year. Your support and engagement have made it possible to share these stories, insights, and memorable moments from South African racing. We look forward to bringing you even more thoughtful, entertaining, and unexpected columns in 2026.