In the extremely competitive world of Thoroughbred racing, very few of the participants do it as a hobby.
But that is exactly how trainer Luchelle Kruger describes her involvement in the sport for more than two decades.
Having just a few horses in her yard, she’s adamant that training is not a job.
“Remember, training of horses is my hobby. I can’t possibly make a living by training just a few horses,” said the jovial Kruger.
Despite training less than a handful of runners, Kruger has been remarkably successful, especially with five-year-old Ideal Future.
This mare by Futura has been her only runner in the last seven months, but in that time, she has recorded two wins and two third-place finishes.
She will be back in action on Thursday 2 November at Turffontein, where she is sure to continue her great form in Race 5, a FM76 Handicap over 2000m.
“I really don’t have many horses in my yard. The one owner who really supported me went abroad and sold her horses,” explained Kruger.
“Having just a few horses is not a problem. The number of horses in my yard is not an issue, because I have what Alistair called a boutique stable. It was cute of him,” said Kruger, referring to internationally renowned race caller Alistair Cohen.
“I ride my horses myself, because I believe it’s best to be very hands-on. That’s who I am.
“I love horses. They are exceptional animals. And I really enjoy training them.”
Kruger is exceptionally passionate about Ideal Future.
“She’s always been a lanky kind of horse with not much power. But she was an elegant looking filly,” is how Kruger remembers her as a youngster.
Despite some very decent efforts as a three- and four-year-old, Ideal Future didn’t look to have a too bright future, so Kruger decided to give her rime off to “grow up”.
“In the six months that she was given off, she strengthened up and matured beautifully.”
“I put a lot of effort into my horses. And I will easily give a horse time off. My horses also go on outrides. I’m not the conventional trainer. I also don’t come from a racing family. None of my parents or anyone in my family had any racing background.
“But my husband (Dirk) is 100 percent involved. He looks after the horses’ feet. He really is a very good farrier. He’s done it for years. He also does corrective shoeing and that type of stuff.
“Ideal Future has really just matured beautifully. My philosophy is also not to work a horse harder when they aren’t strong enough. Rather back off a bit. That’s how I see it.
Ideal Future does look like adding to her success come Thursday.
Clive Robinson
