As the 2021/22 racing season winds down, popular Vaal trainer Ashley Fortune has enjoyed her best term to date. On Saturday she saddled her first treble at Turffontein and on Wednesday she celebrated her 41st birthday!
Ashley told the Sporting Post that she is spending her special day at home today and not going to stables.
Fortune family values – Kylie, Andrew, Sean and Ash
We asked whether her husband Andrew was in the habit of dishing out extravagant presents.
“Funny enough, yes!” she laughs as she says that being a racehorse owner means that she gets a few ‘extravagant’ presents a few times every year.
“There are far too many sales with far too many nice horses on them. Those are my birthday presents! Today we will probably just do supper with the family and that’s it,” she adds.
One of South Africa’s fastest growing yards, Fortune Racing has come on in leaps and bounds since first opening their doors in 2018. This season Ashley has saddled 66 winners and describes it as an exceptional one with a first Gr1 and Gr2 winner the proverbial cherries on top.
“I have a top team behind me. Andrew handles the PR with the clients. In the yard we have top horseman Craig Mayhew. Then Kelsey and Ryan Munger play an integral part too. We are also fortunate to have the younger jocks riding for us too.”
On Saturday, her first Turffontein three-timer was ‘very special’.
“Ryan Munger rode all three of our winners and did a sterling job of it. We loved Total Protection at the BSA Cape Yearling Sale and he looks to be a smart colt and the has the makings of a very progressive 3yo next season. Interestingly, Andrew rode his dam Lizzie Arden for Alec Laird.”
Ryan Munger drives Sovereign Spirit to victory (Pic – JC Photos)
Ashley’s second winner was the former Candice Bass-Robinson resident, the ‘old man’ Sovereign Spirit, who hadn’t won for over 700 days and is a known bleeder. She says that the Highveld altitude and climate suits the bleeders.
“He really has come well lately. We gave him a girlfriend and I think he was showing off on Saturday! It was a particularly special win as he was Chase Liebenberg’s first winner, and he played an integral part in moving Sovereign Spirit up to us rather than retiring him. Sovereign Spirit was also Andrew’s son Aldo’s (Domeyer) first winner in his new silks. Our third winner was Laetitia’s Angel. She ran second in the Man O’War and has dropped down to a competitive rating. She had to be a big runner on the day! Congratulations to all our owners and the team – it was very special!”
Taxed on how she does so well with the Candice Bass-Robinson ‘imports’ from the Cape, Ashley says modestly that they have all been horses with ability who have arrived at the Vaal in top shape.
“Candice sends us lovely horses with ability – she tells us exactly what she knows about them and they are in amazing condition and very well cared for. The change of scenery works well too.”
The Fortune secret to success is hard work and the fact that they celebrate a maiden and graded victory in the same way.
Ashley on the big day winner’s podium at Hollywoodbets Greyville (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Ashley tells us that the yard has been bolstered by a ‘couple of new owners’.
“In the new season we want to focus on new interest and aim at the younger generation. Bring in some new blood and make it fun. The reality is that ownership can be affordable and we need to spread the message that you don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to join in the racing experience.”
While she points out that 4Racing’s takeover was never going to lead to overnight change, they have made positive changes.
“The people at the wheel appear to have racing’s best interests at heart and are doing what they can to uplift the game. Cape racing has sown the seeds and shown what can be achieved through a concerted team effort and I believe Joburg can do the same.”
Marketing the game and facilities are key, suggests Ashley.
“I think we should have more proactivity and thought in marketing. There is very little to do in Johannesburg unless you live in the Fourways / Sandton area. Turffontein is a great space for expo’s, markets and mini carnivals. Look how many Universities we have here. Why not approach the young talented musicians who are looking to showcase their acts? Let the young people bring their friends. Link it with a raceday so that we expose the fun and thrills of the thoroughbred to them. It’s not a new concept. But if we don’t try some innovative approaches, we aren’t going to know what works.”
Ashley says that stakes are another important cog in the growth wheel.
“Winter is always abysmal – and at that time it makes it harder to keep owners interested. Summer is a different story thankfully – but we have to have the best to take on the best. It makes for great racing.”
Happy birthday again, Ash!
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