Woodhill Racing Estate was home to a number of champions (Picture Supplied)
The powerful Glen Kotzen racing operation based at the beautiful Woodhill Racing Estate in Paarl will relocate to the Milnerton Training Centre in a move that brings to a close 24 wonderful years for the famous racing family.
In a statement issued to their patrons on Tuesday evening, the Woodhill Racing Team confirm that they will hand the keys over to their neighbours Varsfontein Stud.
The statement records that in 2001, with a shared dream and a deep love for the land, the charming gentleman Neil Smith and his delightful wife Maureen founded Woodhill Racing.
On the recommendation of Carl de Vos of Varsfontein Stud, they purchased the beautiful farm opposite that iconic nursery of champions, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would become one of South Africa’s most treasured racing estates.
In partnership with the Smiths, Glen Kotzen transformed Woodhill into a truly world class private training establishment.
Over the next 25 years, Woodhill would write an extraordinary chapter in South African racing history, producing countless Equus Champions and a remarkable roll of honour.
Among them was the legendary Big City Life, born on this very soil, who went on to capture four Grade 1 victories, including the unforgettable 2009 Durban July.
For Glen and Kathi Kotzen, Woodhill was never just a training centre – it was home.
Here they raised their family from tiny tots into the engaging young adults they are today.
Their roots run deep in this land, and they feel profoundly privileged to have been able to call Woodhill their home for so many formative and treasured years.
With full hearts and great faith in the future, the Kotzen family have now decided to pass the baton to their wonderful neighbours, Varsfontein Stud.
They do so with complete confidence that Woodhill will be taken to even greater heights under such exceptional guardianship.
They extend their warmest wishes for every success in the years ahead and take great comfort in knowing that this special farm will continue to be loved, nurtured and respected and that they will always be welcome to return and visit.
While this marks the end of the Kotzen family’s tenure at Woodhill, it is by no means the end of their commitment to their horses.
Their care and welfare will, as always, remain at the heart of every decision. In partnership with Race Coast, training will continue from Milnerton and extend to Durban, while still making use of all racing tracks across the country.
In closing they state that they offer their deepest and most heartfelt thanks to their valued patrons, for their unwavering support, encouragement and friendship over the years. It has been an honour and a privilege to share this remarkable journey with you.
*Statement tweaked by the Sporting Post for editorial flow
