The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Friday that they have issued a Trainer’s licence to Futura Park conditioner Brett Crawford for the 2025/2026 racing season
Crawford, 53, is one of South Africa’s most decorated trainers with 38 Group 1 victories among a career tally of almost 1500 winners. He saddled Oriental Charm to win the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Brett Crawford – taking his chances in Hong Kong (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
He began his horse racing journey as a child, riding work before transitioning to a stable employee immediately after finishing school. He has gained valuable experience under the guidance of some of South Africa’s most esteemed trainers, including the internationally renowned Mike de Kock, as well as South African champion trainers Eric Sands and Dennis Drier.
In 2001, Crawford successfully applied for the position of private trainer with Mrs Sabine Plattner, one of South Africa’s leading thoroughbred horse owners, marking the start of his training career. He obtained an open licence in 2010.
Crawford’s best season in South Africa came in 2017/18, when his stable claimed six Group 1 wins.
He operates primarily from the Western Cape, along with a satellite stable in Randjesfontein in Johannesburg, and trains in partnership with his son, James Crawford. In the 2023/24 season, he achieved third place in the South African Trainers’ Premiership with 106 winners at a strike rate of 11.7%.
Crawford started the 2024/25 season in strong fashion with 29 wins under his own name before forming his partnership with James Crawford.
The pair has since added 13 wins (as of 29 January). A notable recent achievement includes winning the Hollywoodbets Durban July – one of South Africa’s biggest races – for the second time with Oriental Charm, co-owned by Greg Bortz, in July 2024.
