Stephanie Miller a rose among the nettles
Horseracing is often called “The Sport Of Kings” and from owners, to trainers, work riders and jockeys, the sport is, in essence, a man’s world. However, there are always thwe exceptions.
Racing is at Flamingo Park today and in recognition of Women’s Day this month we caught up with Stephanie Miller to find out more about her racing background, her journey through the racing world and her aspirations, as well as her horses’ chances in the three feature races today.
Miller, 56, points out that while she was involved in the dayto-day running of the stable during her late husband’s training days, it was not her intention to train. “It just happened!”
After the death of husband Peter in April 2011, son Sean was propelled into the limelight and managed to keep the family flag flying with distinction but his untimely death in a freak motor accident in June 2012 left Stephanie at the helm of a powerful operation with big decisions to make. She fondly recalls an event with a temperamental filly in the yard, Baby Chocolates, which convinced her to not throw in the towel and give up on the horses.
“I was beside myself. I had my head in my hands at her stable door. Nobody went in except her groom, who was also her work rider. She was a feisty filly, a cheeky character who would kick, buck and bite. But on this day, she didn’t. It was almost as if she knew I needed comforting. She laid her head next to mine, so calm and passive.”
Miller adds jokingly. “She didn't do it again, but I knew from that moment I couldn’t let it go!”
She continues: “Mark and Dorrie Sham were kind enough to open a satellite yard from which I could train the horses after the NHA granted me an assistant trainer’s licence for a period of 30 months.“I’ve only had my trainers licence for little over two years now.”
Miller has 75 horses currently and, remarkably, no assistant trainer. “My husband and son were so passionate about the game it was hard not to get involved. I’ve always had this hands-on approach”.
She is often regarded as the ‘rose among the thorns’ or ‘diamond in the rough’ as the only female trainer in Kimberley and concedes, that while her distinctly female traits often get the better of her, she has to have ‘thick skin’ to make it in this industry.
“I am fully invested in my horses. They are have temperament differences. I have patience and compassion but this is often misinterpreted as a weakness.
“In reality there is nothing that makes men more capable trainers than women. What you need to excel in this industry is an ability to understand horses.” Adding that, in spite of the fact that some would disagree, “women have to work harder to be accepted in this industry”.
Miller speaks glowingly of Candice Bass-Robinson's exploits this season, as a trainer and a woman. “It’s very hard for women to succeed in racing so I admire her very much.”
When asked of her featurerace aspirations for this season, Miller was hopeful, yet realistic. “You need a lot of luck in this game and I’d be happy with any Black Type for my horses.”
Regarding her recent visits to Port Elizabeth and raids on the Polytrack, she continued: “I’m a big fan of the Poly and my horses seem to enjoy the surface too.
“We bought a truck that can transport seven horses, so if and when we find the right races for the right horses, we’ll give it a go. Why not?”Miller admits the most stressful aspect of her job is dealing with the pressure of delivering consistent on-track success. “People sometimes forget a horse is an animal, not a machine. They are unpredictable and things can go wrong.”She does, however, consider herself fortunate in that her biggest client, brother Francois du Toit, and his family play an active role at the yard so understand how the stable operates and the frustrating tendency for plans to go awry.
That said, Miller is happy with the form of her runners on Saturday and confident her charges perform well in the features.
Border Hopper has won two (both over 2200m) of his last four starts and reverts to his preferred trip in Race 6, the Diamond Stayers. Miller admits this son of Mambo In Seattle doesn’t show much in his work but knows when to deliver when it matters. On his best form, she expects him to be competitive.
In the RA Flamingo Mile Miller concedes stable favourite Red Special will have it all to do from a wide draw. “He’s at his best over 1200m, 1400m and only his genuine ability gets him to go that little bit extra up to 1600m.”
Of the opposition, she has healthy respect for Candice Dawson’s runners. “Last year’s winner (Sundari) and (Prince Of Orange) must have good chances. Candice wouldn’t bring them here for nothing!”
Miller felt hard done by the exclusion of Doctorow, who hasn’t been seen in competitive action for 364 days. “We found chips in knees after his run in this race last year, but he should be in the field on his rating alone.”
Miller rates course-and-distance specialist Rock A Bye Baby the one to beat in the RA Sprint, according to Miller. “She’s very fast. Stablemate In Full Regalia is well in but naughty at the gates.”
Miller is excited about the chances of new recruit Roquebrune. “We got him in good shape from Mike Azzie. He shows good pace and works well on the sand!”