Tara & Team – Best Days Lie Ahead!

As the sun sets on 2024, Fairview trainer Tara Laing celebrates another year of organic growth against a background of doing the basics right with a team that works, while practising an ethic of old-fashioned hard work, and always keeping her eye on the ball.

The straight-shooting and feisty Scottish lass, an accomplished horsewoman who started life as a top showjumper, has mellowed somewhat – she is 52 on 2 January – and has just marked her twelfth year as a licenced trainer.  It’s been blood, sweat, tears – and plenty of champers – along a road on which Tara has built a reputation for passionate horsemanship, consistent results, and a personal approach to every horse in her care.

With two strings in her yard, Tara, who spent a large portion of her formative years with the champion Snaith team, continues to thrive in a highly competitive industry, maintaining an impressive 13% win strike rate and a 32% place strike rate—statistics that really speak for themselves off her 4810 odd runners which have produced 539 winners and 1565 place cheques.

In a chat with the Sporting Post recently Tara sat down with her son Ewan Garratt as she reflected back on a life where she’s trained horses to win big races for local and international owners and has certainly paid her school fees and ridden out a few storms along the way.

“We are proud of our record over the years and have produced competitive horses in a variety of categories. We have always ensured that our approach to training is thorough and well-rounded, focusing on maximizing the potential of each horse under our care. It means that horses in major centres who aren’t making the cut will be given every chance in a centre that offers dual racing surfaces and a chance to give the owner plenty of fun,” mulls Tara as she looks back on a few body blows that stunned her, but had her bouncing back ever stronger.

“Some never recovered, others are still clawing their way back, but Covid-19 was a knockout all round. We came within a heartbeat of shutting up shop but that probably applies to so many in the horse racing industry. The lockdowns and restrictions on racing, with the financial challenges that the pandemic brought, while hard-hit owners cut back on their horses and racing events were either cancelled or reduced, saw many trainers swerving. But, hey, we are still here today!” laughs Tara as she moves on to the ‘difficult decisions’ she was forced to make.

“We downsized significantly. At one point, it seemed uncertain whether Tara Laing Racing would survive. But when the going gets tough, you know what happens. There were mouths to feed and we love this game. Horses are all we know. So, I managed to keep a few in training and maintained the focus on delivering results with the depleted resources,” she recalls sombrely.

And it worked! Tara’s ability to continue producing winners with a smaller, more selective group of horses during a time of enormous emotional and financial strain showcased her skill and adaptability.

“Adapt or die! We focused on quality over quantity, which kept us relevant and successful, despite not having a large number of horses to send out.”

This is where an important lady stepped in.

“Loretta Louw played a key role in backing the yard by providing not only financial support but also by helping with the acquisition of horses, which is vital for the growth and success of any racing stable. Owners like Loretta often provide the necessary resources to help trainers like myself compete in competitive racing circuits, from purchasing promising horses to investing in the proper care, training, and facilities.”

Young Ewan, who is a key link in the Tara Laing Racing chain on the PR and communications side, as well as attracting a new generation of young blood into the game, chips in here.

“With a small string of horses, it can sometimes be more challenging to attract new owners, but it also means the horses get a load of personal attention and care. So it’s a doubled-edged sword. With a smaller yard, we can give our horses the one-on-one attention they deserve. From daily care to tailored training programmes, each horse is treated as an individual, ensuring they reach their full potential. Either way, horses and owners get the royal treatment with us – guaranteed!” he adds proudly.

Tara’s son also specializes in working with difficult or ‘problem’ horses, using proven training methods to bring out the best in even the most challenging equine personalities.

“Ewan’s dedication and skill in rehabilitating horses is unparalleled, giving every horse the best chance to thrive,” adds the proud Mum.

“Communication and transparency is key to racing in 2024 and beyond. Our owners are part of a close-knit, passionate community where we provide regular updates, insights, and opportunities so that they remain actively involved with their horses. Whether you’re new to racing or an experienced owner, we support every investor, big and small, every step of the way,” explains Ewan as he tells how they encourage owners to visit the stables and build a connection with their horses.

“We really go the extra mile to make the whole experience special. People pay hard-earned money to have the pleasure of racing and then often only hear from the trainer when there is a bill or an issue. We are here every day – and on racedays, with VIP access and hospitality, where possible, and the chance to share the excitement with fellow owners. We are an eclectic mixed team of experience and youthful energy. This includes our lead jockey and 16-time champion, Gavin Venter, who rides all the work and plays a key role in the success of the yard. We cater for everybody!” enthuses Ewan, as he brandishes his contact emails and hands us his social media handles. 

Talk to Ewan or Tara:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: Tara J Laing Racing Stables
• Instagram: Laing_racing