Computaform shines the spotlight on assistant trainers

Following a suggestion made by the National Horseracing Authority to promote assistant trainers, Computaform and Computaform Express are to include the names of assistants.

These names will be appear underneath each trainer – defined in brackets on the Index Page – so keep an eye out for this change when studying for races in future.

When most trainers win a race, be it a Grade 1 or just a Maiden Plate, the people they tend to thank first are always the assistant trainers, and rightfully so.

Assistant trainers play a major role in this sport. They are basically the second-in-command and take charge of the stable when a trainer is away and even represent them at the races.

Great examples are Mike de Kock who regularly leaves assistant Mathew de Kock in charge when in Dubai and Stuart Pettigrew who is represented by Nicolas at the races more often than, even when Pettigrew is in the country.

Sometimes a trainer, like Dean Kannemeyer, who is based in Cape Town has a satellite yard in KwaZulu-Natal and because he can’t be there every single week he has assistant trainer, Babara Badenhorst, based there full time.

The stable ship never sinks, all thanks to these assistant trainers, and as a result, they deserve the spotlight too.

The assistant trainer role requires a lot of experience and knowledge about every aspect of horseracing. These traits will ensure that a stable succeeds.

For example, had the NHA not made this suggestion, most punters would never know that trainer Adam Marcus’ assistant trainer is racing legend and father, Basil Marcus, who with his experience and horsemanship alone adds an unimaginable amount of value to the yard.