Des Scott and his son David lead Jumbo Line (Felix Coetzee) in at Milnerton in 1989 (Pic – Supplied)
Des Scott and brother Robin of Scott Brothers are remembered not only for their feats in owning and breeding racehorses, but also as two of the finest gentlemen to ever grace the South African turf, and the family of the recently late Des have paid tribute to him via a letter to the Sporting Post which can be read at the bottom of this article.
Des and Robin’s horseracing achievements are many and below are some of the highights:
They bred the mighty Politician at their Highdown Stud in the KZN Midlands. The Syd Laird-trained superstar won 11 Gr 1s including the 1978 July, two Mets and two Queen’s Plates. He is regarded as one of South Africa’s greatest ever thoroughbreds. His second Met win in 1979 is particularly celebrated. He was so boxed in he was written off by the commentator but somehow managed to extract himself before charging home in spine-tingling fashion.
Click here to watch Politician’s most memorable victory
Des and Robin owned the imported British-bred 1984 July winner Devon Air and Des was a part-owner of the Argentinian-bred 1990 July winner Illustrador. Both of those horses were trained by Terrance Millard and both ran in Des’s famous colours, black with a white Maltese cross, red sleeves, and a white cap, and both of them went on to win the once prestigious Gold Cup.
The Scott Brothers stood another mighty horse in the British-bred Foveros. He was an eight-times national champion stallion.
The letter sent out by Des’s family to the racing community via the Sporting Post is published below:
To our friends, colleagues, and the wider racing fraternity,
The passing of Des Scott on 3 January 2026 marks the loss of a man whose presence in the racing world was defined not by noise or self-promotion, but by substance, integrity, and quiet authority.
For us, he was our father, brother, grandfather, and uncle – roles he carried with the same dedication and commitment that characterised his life.
Des’s contribution to the sport, in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and beyond, is well documented and deeply respected. Alongside his brother Robin, he helped shape a legacy founded on patience, belief in the Thoroughbred, and respect for the people who work within racing. His achievements spoke for themselves, never seeking the spotlight, yet earning admiration wherever he went.
Those who knew Des closely will recognise that his influence extended far beyond racecourses and results.
He was a highly recognised and respected businessman in South Africa. In whatever Des achieved during his life, he remained a thoughtful, principled man, deeply loyal, and guided by a strong internal compass. He valued fairness, kindness, and quiet perseverance, and he treated people with respect regardless of status or acclaim.
As a family, our reflections on Des are deeply personal. They are shaped by love, memory, and loss, and by the understanding that some bonds and losses are best carried quietly. Our enduring memory of Des lies in the values he lived by, values that remain with us and will continue to guide us.
We have been deeply moved by the tributes shared from across the racing community. They affirm what we have always known: that Des Scott mattered, that he was respected across continents, and that his legacy rests not only in the record books, but in the hearts of those who truly understood him.
With much love, appreciation and respect,
The Scott Family
See below for a couple of tributes to Des Scott
Tribute upon announcement of Des Scott’s passing
Des Scott’s Royal Ascot winner and a tribute from William Haggas
