Ahoy there, it’s Roy’s!
ORSE owner Roy Moodley achieved a rare feat last week by leading five of his horses to the winner’s enclosure at Greyville racecourse.
Moodley’s lucky streak started in the third race when Roy’s Hollyhock came from behind to win while Roy’s Zara romped home well ahead of the pack in the fourth. Then it was the turn of Roy is Second to come first in the sixth race.
Moodley’s good fortune continued in the seventh when Roy’s Regis posted a commanding second win in a row. Roy Royale then crowned Moodley’s scoop when he put his nose in front to win by a narrow margin in the last race of the day.
The businessman from Umhlanga always had a passion for horse racing and in 1994 he realised a cherished dream of owning his first horse.
Since then he has bought hundreds of horses and presently has over 100 stabled with different trainers.
“I do not have a preference to any trainer and I give them all a chance to produce winners for me,” said Moodley.
“I have so many horses that two years ago I decided to name them after me so that I know when they run. Whenever I buy a new horse I get the workers in my office to choose a name for me.”
Moodley said he had too many horses to remember all the names and only goes to the racecourse to see his horses run whenever time permits.
However, Moodley was at Greyville last week to see his five horses gallop to the winning line.
“I will sometimes put a small wager on my horse but have never out-laid a fortune on one of my horses. As a horse owner one can never be a gambler.
“I get excited, like many of the punters do, and urge my horses to get to the front. I enjoy the thrill of seeing my horses win. However, last week was special. I don’t think any horse owner in the country has achieved winning five races at one meeting.”
He attends Yearling Sales regularly where he gets and gives advice to trainers on which horse he wants to buy.
“I look for good breeding and I also look at the structure of the horse whenever I decide to buy a horse.”
Moodley said his next target is to win the prestigious Vodacom July Handicap.
“I have a few horses capable of winning the July. However, I will just wait and see how they progress. When you want to taste victory you can never rush into things.”
Moodley, who is the largest horse owner in the country, is the owner of Royal Security and is also the national treasurer general of the South African National Civic Organisation.
When he is not following his horses, you can find him on the golf course where his second passion lies.