12/10/2026
Saturday, 10 October 2026, was probably the worst day we, as a training team, have ever experienced.
Two days later, I still don't quite know how to put into words just how absolutely devastated we are. I don't think I have ever experienced a feeling quite like this. There is an emptiness that has been left behind by what happened on Saturday, and it is something I am struggling terribly to come to terms with.
We lost a horse who meant the absolute world to us. We lost a member of our family.
I want to address something about Saturday, particularly in light of some of the comments and accusations that have been made since her passing.
We loved Hazy Dazy unconditionally.
She was loved, cared for, and looked after every single day of her life with us. Her happiness, health and wellbeing were always of the utmost importance to everyone involved in her care. We took an enormous amount of pride in her, and we always did everything we could to ensure that she was happy, healthy and comfortable.
I also want to make something abundantly clear. As a standard procedure at our stable, all of our horses are examined by our veterinary surgeon prior to racing. This is something we do routinely, regardless of the horse or the race concerned, to ensure that they are sound and fit to compete.
Hazy Dazy was no exception. She had been examined before Saturday's race, and there was absolutely nothing to suggest that anything was amiss. In fact, if anything, she was jumping out of her skin with how fresh and well she was feeling.
Furthermore, she was also examined by the on-course veterinary officials, including the veterinarian at the start, before being permitted to race. No concerns were identified that would have prevented her from participating. Had there been any observable signs of unsoundness, these would have warranted veterinary attention before she was allowed to run.
What happened on Saturday was a freak accident. During what should have been an ordinary race, she took an unfortunate step, with the most devastating consequences imaginable.
It could have happened on the training track one morning. It could have happened in her previous race, or in her next race. It could just as easily have never happened at all.
That is the terribly cruel and unpredictable nature of accidents. Even the soundest and healthiest horse in the world is not immune to taking one unfortunate step. There is nobody to blame for what happened, and I wish people could understand just how much the loss of a horse like Hazy Dazy affects those of us who spend our lives caring for them.
If our love for her could have prevented what happened, she would still be with us today.
But I don't want her memory to be defined by the tragedy of Saturday. I want people to remember the wonderful horse that she was, and the extraordinary story that she gave all of us.
Many of you will already know Hazy Dazy's story.
Purchased for a mere R37,500 at an online auction, she was never the expensive, fashionably priced horse that people ordinarily associate with racing at the highest level.
She was our little bargain who went on to take on some of the very best horses in the country.
And goodness, did she make us proud.
From winning three races in quick succession during the early stages of her career, to becoming a Grade 3 winner, a Grade 2 winner, and eventually a Grade 1 winner in the prestigious South African Fillies Classic.
She came within just two lengths of completing the South African Triple Tiara, a feat achieved by only five fillies in its history. She was crowned the Highveld Champion Three-Year-Old Filly and even took her place in the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
What an incredible journey for a horse who cost R37,500.
In many respects, Hazy Dazy became something of a people's champion. She reminded us that wonderful things can come from the most unexpected places, and that dreams in this sport are not necessarily reserved for those with the deepest pockets.
She gave her owners, our stable, and so many racing enthusiasts something to believe in and something to celebrate.
And we will forever be grateful to her for that.
But beyond her achievements on the racetrack, Hazy Dazy was an absolute pleasure to have around the stable. She was an exceptionally intelligent horse, a wonderful character, and such a pleasure to work with. She was one of those horses that you couldn't help but become incredibly fond of.
We knew her beyond the racetrack, beyond her victories and beyond the accolades. We knew the horse that we worked with every morning, the little things that made her special, and the personality that made us love her so dearly.
That is the Hazy Dazy we will miss most.
After the accident on Saturday, I walked out onto the track to the place where she had fallen, and I sat beside her one last time. She had already passed by the time I reached her, but I wanted to be there with her, even if there was nothing more I could do.
I don't think I will ever forget that moment for as long as I live.
C.S. Lewis once wrote:
"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken."
I don't think I have ever understood those words quite as profoundly as I do now.
To everyone who was part of her journey, her owners, her groom, our staff, her jockey, and everyone who followed and supported our beautiful girl, thank you for loving her and believing in her.
And to Hazy Dazy herself, thank you.
Thank you for the wonderful memories, the excitement, the victories, and the moments that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you for taking us on a journey that most people in racing can only ever dream of experiencing.
We would give every single trophy and every moment of glory back in a heartbeat if it meant having you home again.
Rest peacefully, our beautiful Hazy Dazy.
May you run free with the angels, without pain, without fear, and with nothing but endless green fields ahead of you.
You were so dearly loved, and you will be so terribly missed.
Until we meet again, our beautiful girl. 🌼💔
