Brett Crawford named the winning of the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Winchester Mansion in 2023 as his proudest moment in racing as it was the first Gr 1 for himself and son James as partners and James played a big part in the victory. (Candiese Lenferna Photography)
Sarah Whitelaw
Trainer Brett Crawford, a longstanding fixture on the South African turf for decades, recently announced he was moving to Hong Kong.
Born in Zimbabwe, the fify-three-year-old Brett has saddled nearly 1500 winners with his charges having won 38 Grade One races between them.
His grandfather was an avid racegoer at Borrowdale Park, but it was his family’s relationship with Zimbabwe’s celebrated Muscutt family that provided his first foray into the racing industry. Crawford’s older brothers were friends with Peter and Paul Muscutt, which sparked his interest in horses.
From the age of 12, he mucked out stables and rode work for Brian Muscutt – father of Peter and Paul – before also gaining experience with Neil Bruss and Shane Rankin.
In 1989, he joined the Mike de Kock stable, before moving to Cape Town where Brett became assistant trainer to Peter Muscutt.
Brett then joined Eric Sands, and was privileged to be involved with the mighty Flobayou. The latter was a true champion whose 18 career wins included two runnings of the G1 Cape Flying Championship and three runnings of both the G1 Mercury Sprint and G2 Merchants Stakes.
Following his time with the Sands stable, Brett spent four and a half years in Durban when working with Dennis Drier.
In 2001, Brett Crawford became Sabine Plattner’s private trainer, with that partnership last eight years. During that stint, he sent out numerous stakes winners and scored a memorable win in the 2003 G1 J&B Met with Angus.
Among Brett’s many accomplishments are winning the G1 Hollywoodbets Durban July (Winchester Mansion, Oriental Charm) in back to back years, and he also has a trio of Met triumphs to his name, courtesy of Angus, Futura and Whisky Baron.
The long list of top-class thoroughbreds to pass through his yard include such high-class G1 winners as Captain America, Futura, Jackson, Make It Snappy, Run Fox Run, Thunder Dance, and the aforementioned Whisky Baron.
I recently spoke to Brett about Hong Kong and highlights of his career thus far:
SW: How did your move to Hong Kong come about?
BC: I had a client there a few years ago and it was always something I was keen to achieve. I got into the final stages of being accepted in Hong Kong a few years ago, but was just pipped to the position. I did not subsequently reapply, but my CV was left on record. Last year, the Hong Kong Jockey Club approached me and asked if I would be interested in taking up a position.
SW: What is your proudest moment in racing?
BC: Winning the 2023 G1 Hollywoodbets Durban July with Winchester Mansion. It was a first Grade One for myself and (son) James as partners, with James having played a big role in the horse’s preparation.
SW:Who is the best horse you have trained or been associated with?
BC: That is a difficult question, but I would say it is between Captain America, Jackson and Futura.
SW: Do you have a favourite horse that you trained?
BC: Taking Whisky Baron overseas was a hugely important step for me. Travelling overseas gave me great exposure and I learnt a great deal.
SW: Who has been your inspiration in the sport?
BC: I have always aspired to train on the world stage. Mike de Kock was a great pioneer for South Africa, and I have a lot of respect for Mike.
SW: What goals do you have for Hong Kong?
BC: Winning group races remains the key goal.
Crawford’s appointment comes soon after the blistering Sha Tin victory of South African import Mid Winter Wind – one of the first gallopers to enjoy the smoother passage to Hong Kong created by a recent change in quarantine protocols.
His son James, a rising star in the training ranks, will take over Crawford Racing, and Brett has no doubt that James will ensure that it is business as usual.
While Brett will be missed by many in South Africa, he looks set to join the growing list of Southern Africans who have made their mark in Hong Kong.
