South African trainers Gary and Dean Alexander to set up at Murray Bridge
Thoroughbred Racing South Australia’s concerted effort to increase field sizes has received another boost with confirmation that the governing body had lured leading South African trainers Gary and Dean Alexander to the state.
The brothers, who have been involved in the industry for more than 30 years, with Gary preparing more than 1500 winners, will relocate to Murray Bridge next year at the yet-to-be-built stables at the new facility.
South Australia trainer Michael Hickmott was recently announced as its inaugural tenant but TRSA yesterday released news that the Alexanders will soon follow suit.
“Gary and I are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead and are super excited about the opportunity that has been afforded to us by TRSA,” Dean Alexander said in a statement.
“It is encouraging and attractive to see the facilities that will be available at Murray Bridge. From what we can gather, this will be a world-class training facility and that is exactly where we want to be in order to give our horses the best opportunity of success.”
ANZ Bloodstock News first revealed TRSA’s interstate and international recruitment campaign in June.
The relocation of the Alexanders also follows news that TRSA had returned prize-money to above pre-Covid-19 levels as well as a significant boost to the SABOIS scheme. The state government has also committed to significant funding to enable infrastructure projects at Murray Bridge and other racecourses in South Australia.
“This ongoing investment in the industry is paying dividends,” TRSA chief executive Nick Redin said.
“It’s great to see we’re now having international interest, further endorsing the Marshall Liberal government’s resolve to invest in the industry and als TRSA’s funding decisions.
“Michael Hickmott said he changed his business model to be more involved with Murray Bridge. What a great vote of confidence by a young, up-and-coming trainer in the future of the club and the SA industry. SA is fast regaining its rightful place on the national stage.”
Gary Alexander was granted his training licence in 1982, taking over the reins from his father, Duncan. He went on to establish a training facility at Turffontein and his winners’ tally includes more than 100 Grade and Listed winners. In 2000, Gary and Dean combined to set a South African record for the most stakes earned in one day, winning two Grade 1 races and a Grade 2 race. The pair have also twice trained six winners at Turffontein
Dean indicated that the stable would employ Australian staff to help run the Murray Bridge enterprise while also tapping into he and his brother’s international ownership base,
“(Syndication) is something we have had a huge amount of success with in South Africa,” he said.
“We believe our syndications will attract international and local shareholders. Racing is very attractive in Australia in terms of control, facilities and stakes, so these syndications should be appealing to a number of enthusiasts.”