An unsung backroom stalwart of East Cape horseracing, Karin Le Roux calls time on twenty eight memorable years in the industry as the last race is run and the sun sets at Fairview on Friday.
Always a smiling face, the Promotions Manager with the warm and friendly disposition has been looking after racegoers and stakeholders in the Windy City through an unprecedented era of change, and upheaval.
Karin Le Roux – says goodbye after 28 great years (Pic – Pauline Herman)
“I have had the time of my life – through twists and turns and changes in management over the years, wonderful people, challenging personalities, champions, and some truly colourful characters, I leave with very fond memories,” Karin told the Sporting Post on Thursday evening.
As one of a group of personnel offered early retirement packages by 4Racing, Karin tells that the shocking loss of her son and other close family during the covid pandemic, had given her a new perspective on life.
One of six children, Karin’s Dad passed away when she was just 5 years old and she knew her Stepfather, until he died in February 2023.
“I am only 58 years old, and still have the energy and enthusiasm for this wonderful industry and the people. But the stark loss of family during the covid years made me realise that life is to be lived and loved today. My partner Thomas also works in the USA for eight months of the year. We have bought a plot of land at Boknesstrand up the coast, and we plan to build a little place and enjoy the quality things that life has to offer,” she explained.
Fairview Racecourse (Pic – Pauline Herman)
A chance meeting with Mike Rishworth, then the boss at Specsavers in Gqeberha, saw the Cilliers High School graduate commencing what would be a rewarding career in horseracing hospitality on 2 November 1995.
After Rishworth’s departure, she worked under Mike Greeff and Margaret James, and the late Gavin Brown.
Karin recalls that one of the great ‘honours’ bestowed on her happened perchance in the year of her 40th birthday.
“Weekend work is part of the job, but I requested management that I be given leave to celebrate my 40th. I told them that if the East Cape Derby was run on that day, that I would not be able to make it. So they duly changed the date of the Derby!” she adds proudly.
Thinking about the colourful characters of the years past, Karin laughs and says that ‘there are really too many to mention’.
“It would take a book to mention them all. But as a quick thought, I recall the late Arthur Miller used to walk into the small office at Arlington. He was so serious, yet wore pink slippers! I was younger so didn’t ask too many questions!” she laughs as she also fondly remembers the party spirit generated by the charismatic retired racecaller ‘Bumpie’ Schoeman.
Legend of the East Cape turf – Bumpy Schoeman
“Uncle Stanley Greeff was another lovely man. He used to tell us to improve the trophies – and was the reason that we started upping our game with Carol Boyes quality and crystal decanters! Oom Nic Claasen was another wonderful gentleman. I was requested by his family to read a poem at his funeral. That was an honour,” she remembers.
Here’s a playback from way back! Dorrie & Mark Sham with Rocky Agrella and Aussie-based Christopher ‘Chippy’ Taylor – circa 2012
Karin says that veterans Dorrie and Mark Sham were ‘amazing people’, who did extraordinary things for the local community and the industry.
“They were always staunch fundraisers and such caring folk who did so many good things – whether it was for preschoolers or horse care. They are wonderful people!”
Any pet hates about her job that she won’t miss?
“This is the hospitality industry, so we do see the best and worst of people. I didn’t enjoy people who were whinging for the sake of whinging, and moaning about nothing – just for the sake of moaning!”
Fairview – before Karin arrived!
And who and what will she miss the most?
“Everybody! This is a small and close-knot community. If you push me to name my best friends, I would have to say Jacques Strydom and his wonderful family. What a family! Special!” she added, saying that she will also miss her office at Fairview.
“There is a special vibe in the corridors at Fairview. It’s a combination of history, horses and people. I intend to enjoy my retirement, but I am going to miss racing!”
Wishing you well, Karin!
