The former Gauteng-based family training operation of Gary and Dean Alexander broke the ice in Australia on Saturday with their first winner.
In an all-South African moment, SA Jockey Academy graduate Barend Vorster rode a well-judged race to win the seventh race at Morphettville on the gelding Brazen Force, and survived a protest call from the runner-up.
Gary & Dean in a file pic from Turffontein
Brazen Force was coincidentally their first ever runner in Australia, when he ran under their flag at the end of last month.
Now trading as Alexander Brothers Racing, the duo are based at Morphettville, South Australia.
The winner is owned by Alexander Bloodline in partnership with instantly recognisable names in leading SA owners Lawrence and Jarryd Wernars.
With only seven horses in their yard, three of which are in training, it is a dream start for the long established Alexander racing family, who only came out of quarantine in July.
With fifteen Gr1 winners to their name in their homeland, it is a relatively modest but significant new beginning for the brothers who left South Africa disillusioned with the struggle that many trainers have had to endure over the past twenty years.
They will move to a new yard at Murray Bridge in the new year in what Gary says will be a gamechanger.
In a memorable few days, Gary celebrated his 62nd birthday on Wednesday, and Saturday was special in more ways than one as Dean was celebrating his own birthday.
Asked why Dean was not on course, Gary said that his wife had given him a birthday surprise of a Gold Coast getaway.
We will try and find out from Dean how chuffed he was with the present that saw him miss an iconic day for the pioneers!
