As the shadows lengthened over Kenilworth Racecourse on Tuesday afternoon following his first day in office, Cape horseracing’s newest keyman reflected on some of his priorities.
New Cape boss Justin Vermaak & Dr Andreas Jacobs at Maine Chance Farms
The most encouraging aspect of the news that broke over breakfast on Tuesday morning of Justin Vermaak’s appointment as Director Of Racing in South African horseracing’s most strategic racing centre is that the man who has worn various hats in his climb up the ladder appears to have the respect and support of many.
You can read the Kenilworth Racing announcement here
“Haven’t always agreed with him but I am glad that a racing man has been appointed to do the job. If he can steer clear of being influenced by people who have failed before him, he will be successful. All the best to him and Cape Racing,” wrote straightshooting racing veteran Steve Reid on the Sporting Post website.
The Durban-born one-time assistant trainer, jockey agent, handicapper, bloodstock consultant and Maine Chance Farms racing manager certainly has the credentials and experience to grab the big job by the scruff of the neck and pull the beleaguered jurisdiction out of the current swamp.
“My immediate focus will be on growing the horse population in order to establish a foundation for bolstering field sizes,” he told the Sporting Post on Tuesday afternoon as he pored over a list of trainers that he will be visiting in a consultative meet-and-greet exercise over the next few weeks.
“I want to hear one-on-one what the trainers require and get their input. I am going to look at bolstering the smaller yards too. Cape Town has some top trainers who just don’t have enough horses. We also need to attract visiting and permanent trainers to the region. We are looking at incentives, and with the right programme in place, we will have the correct mix of racing to make it worthwhile to race here,” he added.
The fact is that in 2021 only 26 horses visited the Cape for racing.
“We are talking to trainers in other regions. Mike de Kock has already committed and said he will be coming down with a string. He has the artillery to fire in the Guineas in December so that adds a positive dimension. We are talking to other trainers too. We need to encourage them with our racing, our facilities and incentives.”
Justin says that a medium-term rationalisation of training facilities in the region is on the cards and there are plans to completely revamp the Milnerton Training Centre and provide a Randjesfontein-type clubhouse facility.
“We are in the process of considering designs for a state-of-the-art stable that will be built at Milnerton. This will be made available for the use of our visiting trainers during the summer season. So time is of the essence.”
As regards his existing business interests, Justin confirms that Green Street Bloodstock and Vermaak Equine will be wound right down, as he focusses his full attention on Kenilworth Racing.
“I will still be attending the sales and buying. But that is a natural environment to network and mingle with industry players and sponsors, for example. I am looking forward to the challenge as we move forward to restore Cape horseracing to its rightful position at the forefront!”
