Marinaresco co-owner South African Candice Bass-Robinson is one of the world’s leading women trainers, ranked alongside the likes of greats such as Gai Water-House, Pia Brandt, Jessica Harrington. Bass-Robinson created history when she became the first female trainer to win South Africa’s biggest race when Marinaresco took out the Gr.1 Durban July (2017).
Ten Furlongs chats to Bass-Robinson about her favourite horse and his journey to the Dubai World Cup 2019:
Q: How did you start training Marinaresco and what kind of a horse is he to train?
A: We bought him at the national yearling sales and came in as a 2-year-old. He was a super little horse to train always sound and eager to work. He was very consistent in his teaching career and have me my first Vodacom Durban July winner in my first year of training on my own.
Q: Which of his races would you consider his best and why?
A: His best win was the Vodacom July grade 1. He was a very exciting horse to watch as always came from off the pace with a brilliant turn off the foot. His win in the champions cup also a grade 1 was a very good win as a 3-year-old
Q: Who is your racing leadership hero and what were your first racing leadership lessons?
A: My father who is now retired but still part of our team. Hard work, patience and a good understanding of horses are very valuable traits to have. Staff management and good client relationships are important too.
Q: What are the bucket list of global races you would like the horses you train or own to win?
A: At the moment is very difficult for us to race abroad due to travel restrictions because of aha. If we could have the restrictions listed would make it much easier for us to compete although it is very competitive now and a very expensive exercise
Q: Who inspires you to do better?
A: I am a very competitive person so l inspire myself. My mother and father do as well
Published In Dubai World Cup Gold Souvenir 2019
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Credit: Pallavi Shevade pallavi.shevade@secretariatsworld.com