Crawford Racing Welcomes Timothy Woodruff as Assistant Trainer in Gauteng

Terrance Millard with his first Queens Plate winner Laddie

Crawford Racing is proud to announce the appointment of Timothy Woodruff as the new assistant trainer for our Gauteng stable. With a deep-rooted passion for horse racing and an impressive history, Timothy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team. Born into a horse-loving family his pedigree is undeniable.

His grandfather, Terrance Millard was a legendary trainer. When he retired at the end of the 1991 horseracing season, he had amassed 2,257 winners, 117 Gr1’s, a Summer Cup, six Met, Durban July and Gold Cup winners and seven SA Champion Trainer awards. His uncle, Tony Millard, has also made his mark as a champion trainer, achieving success at the highest level in Hong Kong and on the global stage.

Timothy’s Dad Geoff Woodruff, famously nicknamed “The Guv,” by Andrew Bonn, was a five-time South African champion trainer and a man that earned the tag of ‘The Sun King’ for his extraordinary feat of winning the Gr1 Summer Cup six times in seventeen renewals. He saddled over seventy Grade One winners and more than 200 graded stakes winners in an illustrious career that spanned over three decades.

Geoff Woodruff

Timothy’s journey in racing began at the tender age of two, when he first rode his pony, Bobby, under the watchful eyes of his parents. By the age of nine, his persistence paid off as he was finally allowed to work his first racehorse, a pivotal moment in his fledgling years.

Over the years, Timothy has had the privilege of working with some of the finest horses in his father’s stable, including Dual July winner El Picha, Dubai winner Shea Shea, Triple Crown winner Louis the King, and Dual Summer Cup winner Master Sabina. His expertise and dedication have been evident in every step of his journey.

In 2009, Timothy took his passion to the next level by working full-time in racing under his father’s guidance. A year later, he expanded his horizons by honing his skills in England, working with renowned trainers Venetia Williams, who had won the Grand National with Mon Mone, and William Haggas and his wife Maureen, whose professionalism and knowledge have been instrumental in shaping his career.

Now, Timothy embarks on a new chapter with Crawford Racing, where he will work alongside top horses such as Oriental Charm, Fatal Flaw, and recent Fillies Guineas winner Mon Petit Cherie, among many other battle-hardened and promising contenders.

James & Timothy

Timothy expresses his deep gratitude to James and the Crawford team for this incredible opportunity, emphasizing his commitment to giving his all in ensuring the continued success of the yard in the coming seasons. We are thrilled to welcome Timothy to the Crawford Racing family and look forward to the expertise, passion, and dedication he will bring to our Gauteng stable.

Join us in welcoming Timothy Woodruff to Crawford Racing!