“There’s never been a better time to race in KwaZulu-Natal.” Those are the words of Yadav Singh, the trainer of Summerveld’s smallest operation after last week’s announcement that racing on the East Coast will follow the Cape and soon fall under the umbrella of the RaceCoast Incentive Scheme powered by Hollywoodbets.
With stakes also falling in line with what the Cape offers and appearance, saddling and riding fees being paid to the owner, trainer and jockey of KZN runners, things are looking up and it was just 24 hours after Greg Bortz and his team made the good news announcement at Summerveld last Tuesday that Yadav Singh saddled a long overdue winner in the shape of the Sita Govender-raced Chakpori.
Yadav Singh – plenty of open boxes and ready to welcome new patrons (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The Normandy Stud-bred Potala Palace filly was purchased online and was no great shakes when based with the powerful Snaith Racing Team.
“She is not straightforward. In fact she was stone dilly when she got here! But she has paid her way and settled in beautifully. Sita Govender is the most patient and generous owner so there was no pressure. Her victory capped a great week after the news of the stakes and incentives the previous day!”
Yadav Singh got the horseracing bug from his Dad, Jayraj, an owner of some forty years standing and a Life Member of Gold Circle. Dad raced with Doug Campbell and David Payne.
Educated at St Mary’s in his primary school days, Yadav left Merebank Secondary School at the end of Grade 10 and enrolled as an equestrian student at the SA Jockey Academy where he completed his grade 11 and grade 12.
With a hunger for knowledge, the enthusiastic Yadav made lifelong friends and thrived in the environment of camaraderie and horses.
“I had the privilege of being educated with top guys who were there at the same time. Amongst others, Gavin Lerena, Aldo Domeyer, Sean Veale, the late Chris Puller and Randall Simons, who coincidentally rode my first ever winner as a trainer, Dane Delight at Hollywoodbets Greyville on 7 June 2008.”
Yadav became South Africa’s youngest licenced trainer at age 21 in 2007 after learning from some of the best. He was initially based at Clairwood, within a stone’s throw of the Singh family home, in the halcyon days of Corinne Bestel, Charles Laird, Tyrone Norton and Jeff Freeman.
“While still at the Academy I commenced my Stable Employee’s licence process, working for Alistair Gordon and Ron Phillips. I also enjoyed three invaluable months with Gary Alexander in the days of Icy Air and James Jaguar. After I matriculated I spent two years with Noelene Peech as an assistant at Summerveld, and then valuable time with Tony Rivalland, Weiho Marwing, and the late Cyril Naidoo. A great varied grounding for which I am most privileged!” adds Yadav.
His wife is a retail manager and the Singhs have a 16 year old daughter and a 13 year old son.
We asked how he made a living with just three horses to train.
“We are conservative folk and don’t have any frills. My ambition was actually to be a pilot. But the racing bug was already in my veins and I have loved every moment of it. And even though I have only 3 of 22 boxes filled as we speak, I wouldn’t turn back the clock for anything – including the glamour and thrills of being a well-paid airline pilot,” reflects Yadav with a broad smile.
In a nutshell, Yadav offers a personalized service and horses that may be lost in other larger operations could benefit from the Singh Racing TLC.
“I can offer personal attention, integrity, top notch communication and an unconditional love of the horse. Maidens and Grade 1 horses are treated with equal love. They are all a champion in our yard. My door is open, we have 19 empty boxes. Please feel free to contact me.”
- Contact Yadav at [email protected] to find out more.
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Frankie Zackey
