Cliff Still Dreaming Of His Place In The Sun

While Hollywoodbets-sponsored trainer Cliffie Miller has long adjusted to life in Gqeberha, he says he will never give up the dim flicker of the flame of hope that racing will one day return to his ‘Place In The Sun’, Flamingo Park Racecourse.

The late 60’s hit ‘A Place in the Sun’ was performed by, amongst others, Stevie Wonder and Engelbert Humperdinck, and also happens to be Cliffie Miller’s anthem to 42 years of the very best days of his 67 summers since he first saw the light of day in the Free State diamond mining town of Jagersfontein.

A brief stint, courtesy of the hospitality of Gold Circle, in KwaZulu-Natal followed the Flamingo Park closure in 2020.

In early 2021 Cliffie and his team again hit the long road to Gqeberha, where he currently plies his trade with 20 horses.

Cliffie told the Sporting Post that he understands some of the economics of the closure of his hometown track and is adamant that he is not living in the past and very grateful that he is still able to do what he loves.

Unsurprisingly he gets something of a faraway gaze in his eyes when he speaks about the centre where he was crowned champion trainer eleven times.

“In Kimberley we earned a living and life was good. While I am one of the lucky ones to enjoy loyal support from individual owners and a powerhouse like the Hollywood Syndicate, here in Nelson Mandela Bay Racing, the smaller guys are surviving – even though the smaller yards are the backbone of the industry. Look at the field sizes – you have the big three and then the smaller yards make up the mix. We are crucial to the mix in the racing ecosystem,” he adds.

Asked when he has last been back to the Diamond City, Cliffie explains that he and Heather Reddie, his partner of 46 years, commute between the coast and the Northern Cape.

“I have kept my house there. Heather keeps the home fires burning and we see each other regularly. While it’s not ideal, it is what it is, and there are many people worse off than we are,” he adds as he points out that the basic infrastructure is still there and racing could hypothetically be on with a lick and a paint, and some capital investment.

“The Flamingo Park rails were aluminium and so they were saved and moved to the 4Racing tracks in Gauteng. But nothing much else has changed, other than the fact that the track is covered with vegetation. It has been vandalised a bit, which really breaks my heart. But it could be salvaged. I’m just saying!” he laughs.

Cliffie adds that there is plenty to be positive about.

“It’s expensive to keep horses, but I believe we offer a value-for-money product and lots of thrills and excitement. I bought a new horse for two new owners at the BSA August 2yo Sale last month, and I have three horses for the Hollywood Syndicate, with another unraced galloper for them at Ashburton still. Nobody ever gave up hope with unraced youngsters in the wings and I’m looking forward to this season,” he adds.

There was talk of some local trainers not being too chuffed about not being invited to the recent East Cape Awards. Cliffie says that he has always attended, whether a nominee or not.

“We are like a family here. And no family is perfect. There was an invitation sent out via whatsapp, but there may have been a breakdown in communication. I am sure it will be sorted out for the next awards,” he adds philosophically.

Cliffie has stayed loyal to Marco van Rensburg, but we asked him who would be his front-runner for the SA Champion jockey title if he was going to have a bet.

“Muzi Yeni is travelling and working extremely hard, as he always does. He deserves to have his top slot and would be a worthy champion. I think Gavin Lerena could definitely be a factor too if he chases it a bit. Then Richard Fourie showed us what he is capable of last term. He hasn’t started yet. It’s going to be bloody interesting!”

Yeni is currently quoted at 4-1 with Hollywoodbets.

Taxed on a likely SA Champion trainer, Cliffie laughs and suggests it’s a ‘one-horse race’.

“Justin Snaith has won it five times. He has the artillery and widespread support to go all the way again. And I see he has the 118-rated Pacaya running in the Friendly City Stakes on Friday. When you can send a horse of that ability to Fairview on a Friday, you must understand the depth of the yard. Pacaya should win going away, running in reverse!”

While trainers often go on into their late seventies, how long does Cliffie plan to soldier forth at Fairview?

“I am enjoying it and I certainly don’t battle to find the inspiration to be at work. So, realistically for now, I imagine they will have to carry me out of here in a pine box eventually!”