In a decision that caught most of us on the wrong foot, record-breaking South African champion trainer Paul Peter shocked the racing world on Thursday when he decided to relinquish his licence.
The National Horseracing Authority published a media release on Thursday morning, where they made the announcement, and wished the new champion well in his new endeavours.
Paul Peter and his son Josh – time to step back (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
In an exclusive chat with the Sporting Post on Friday morning, the 50 year old explained that the very tough decision had been made for personal health and emotional reasons on medical advice.
“I have to consider that as much as I love my racing and my horses, I have to be realistic and consider the implications for my family and my personal health. I am not a delegator by nature, and my yard has grown exponentially. I have enjoyed great support from my sons, my wife and my broader family network. I achieved what I set out to do 12 years ago, and I want to thank everybody in horseracing, including the punting public, for the support and kindness. I don’t have a bad word to say about anybody, and I hope that my owners and horses go on to great things. For now it is time to change direction and to take a step back,” he added emotionally, explaining that his son Tony had declined the opportunity to take over the string.
Paul Peter’s rise through the training ranks has been meteoric since his first winner Magico, who won on Durban July day in 2010.
In his peak season last term, he set a new South African record of 221 winners, which beat the previous benchmark of 215 set by Sean Tarry in the 2016/2017 season a fortnight ago.
While Summer Pudding’s extraordinary SA Triple Tiara feat in 2020 was an undoubted highlight, Paul Peter trained 7 Gr1 winners and was known as a media-friendly conditioner who always had time to talk to the press.
The quiet man with the broad smile will be missed and we ask that the industry respects the Peter family’s privacy at this time.
