Crawford Racing To Open Satellite Yard In Durban
Crawford Racing expands with satellite yard in Durban.
After a seasons best finish at third on the National Trainers Log, aided by an extremely productive stint during the Natal winter season, Crawford Racing will soon be opening a satellite yard at Summerveld.
Operators, Gold Circle have allocated 30 boxes for this new venture form the 1st of October. Brett Crawford will be partnered by Peter Muscutt, who will take responsibility for the Durban operation. He was a vital part of the team that secured four Grade 1 wins and many other significant races over the last few months. Muscutt, who had been working with famous Sydney trainer Chris Waller, has decided against returning to Australia and Singapore, and is instead seizing this gap to sustain a productive working association with Brett – a close family friend from way back in Zimbabwe.
Peter commented, “I would like to thank Gold Circle for giving Brett and myself the opportunity of opening a satellite yard at Summerveld where the training facilities are world class. The venture presents an exciting new chapter for me after being away from South Africa for the last 7 years. The knowledge and experience I have gained whilst in Australia has been invaluable, and I am looking forward to what lies ahead. Brett and I spliced well together during the Champion season, and a continuation of that looks likely to make for a very successful satellite operation in Durban. “
Opening this yard gives Crawford Racing more options for maximising the career paths of horses in their care. Some thoroughbreds benefit from the sub-tropical climate, whilst the Greyville Polytrack surface suits horses with a particular stride pattern and running style.
Natal racing is strongest during Winter when major stables move their strings in for the big races, but at other times of the year the standard drops, making it an attractive venue for lesser lights who become more competitive when facing relatively weaker rivals.
It will be a fluent arrangement, with horses able to move back and forth between Cape Town and Durban as deemed appropriate. Brett is currently in discussions with his loyal band of owners, working out the best possible solution so that the initial team sent to Durban will earn consistently well under Muscutt’s expertise and provide connections with loads of racing pleasure.
Peter has also built up many contacts on his overseas adventures, and these Australian and Singapore investors have expressed interest in sending horses to or investing in South African racing, which will add further strength to the string.
Racing is inherently a very competitive business, and nothing comes easily – Crawford Racing are aware of the challenges involved in expanding their operation. But with the right personnel making smart training decisions, together with ongoing support from faithful owners, there is every chance that the Durban satellite yard will soon be cranking out the winners.
