I was born and raised at West Bank Stud, outside Oudtshoorn. My father, also Stan, and later my brother, Eric, bred many top horses there, including July winner Numeral.

 After matriculating from Bishops, a spell with then champion trainer, Theo de Klerk, followed, and thereafter a spell at Newmarket in the U.K.

 

I started training for my own account in Cape Town in 1974, my first winner being Turn Right, in the Libra Handicap, that same year. Since then, many listed and graded race winners have come out of my yard, which has never exceeded 35 horses in number! I believe that having fewer horses allows me to give more attention to detail and could turn the shortheads in my favour! 

Feature winners in those early days included the very good fillies Dixie Dawn, Seal Kitten and Escari. Much success was had for then patrons Hyman and Joan Maisel, Loretta Krein, Victor Cook and Jimmy Gravenhorst. More latterly, Mike Fullard, James Drew, and Butch Watson-Smith have been the yard’s principal patrons, but new owners are always welcome! Amongst others, Butch Watson-Smith, Billy Steele and Dougie De Jager have been with me since day one!

Red Badge, Kapil and Rei Rei are notable recent successes.

I have always tried to focus on quality rather than quantity, endeavouring to make racing a pleasurable and fun experience for my owners.

The yard is situated at the Gold Circle Training Centre in Philippi in the Western Cape. The centre is ideal for training, and has 3 training tracks,  plus numerous different paths for the horses to walk and trot along, thus avoiding boredom.

Trips to Port Elizabeth and Kwa-Zulu Natal are undertaken when considered prudent. 

I am married to Boffin, also a keen horseperson, and have 2 sons from a previous marriage.

 

Boffin and Robbie Davie serve as Assistant Trainers, together with Wellington Ngozi. Wellington was the 1^st licensed  assistant trainer in South Africa to have come through the ranks of the Groom’s School.

 

Most of the work-riding is done by Boffin, Wellington and the local apprentices.

 

The team of 13 grooms work under Wellington.

 A lot of emphasis is placed on the correct handling – in this yard, the horse always come first! Sympathetic handling is paramount. My belief is that a happy horse gives more.

I like to run a yard that is very relaxed and easy going, and  always looks forward to  clients popping in to visit their horses. Please feel free to contact me, should you like a tour of the yard.

If you are interested in owning a horse, or a share of a horse, please contact me! Horses are often bought on speculation at the sales without having owners at that particular time. Alternatively,  shares are available in certain horses at any given time.

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