WINNING FORM sponsored trainer, DUNCAN HOWELLS was born into a racing family. Initially, he assisted his dad, and then Eric Sands for 3 years, before building up a long association with legendary trainer David Payne, who currently plys his trade in Australia. In 1999, he made the bold move to acquire his trainer’s licence and has since grown his then 20 horse string, to a staggering century-mark of thoroughbreds at his current Ashburton base. Duncan has saddled over 500 winners in his career, 5 of which have been at the highest level. His champion sprinting sensation, Via Africa earned him 3 of those Grade 1 victories and the now overseas bound filly is undoubtedly the best he has ever trained. Whilst Howells won’t be represented in the country’s premier staying event the eLAN Property Group Gold Cup on the last Saturday of the month, he has a trio of contenders in two of the day’s other Grade 1 events. WINNING FORM, SPORTING POST and HOLLYWOODBETS.NET wishes Duncan Howells everything of the best on the ‘big day and in his future endeavours.
What is your name and age?
Duncan Howells and I am 48 years old.
What is your star sign and birthdate?
Virgo and I was born on 7 September 1966.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and grew up in the windy city, Port Elizabeth.
Where do you live?
I live in Ashburton which is near Pietermaritzburg.
Tell us about your family?
I live with my common law wife, Cathy and step son Alex in a lovely home in Ashburton.
Do you have a ‘nickname’?
The grooms at my stables call me ‘Mahlebe’ which means ears and Robbie Hill calls me ‘Happiness’, but not really.
Favourite food?
Anything really but a good steak is always welcome.
Favourite drink?
An ice cold Castle.
Favourite music?
I enjoy rock and heavy metal music.
Favourite book?
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand.
Favourite sport?
Horseracing.
Favourite soccer team?
Manchester United.
Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere that is peaceful and quiet with no cellphone reception.
Favourite racecourse in South Africa?
Scottsville has been very good to me but I have always enjoyed racing at Clairwood.
What are you reading at the moment?
I am currently reading A.P. McCoy’s autobiography.
What is the characteristic you like most about yourself?
My never say die attitude and always trying to be competitive no matter what the circumstances are.
Where did you go to school?
I went to St Joseph’s Primary and then matriculated at Westering High School. Both schools are in Port Elizabeth.
What tertiary qualification did you achieve?
National Diploma in marketing and sales.
Where did your interest in horseracing begin?
I was born into a racing family.
As a youngster, did you harbour any thoughts of becoming a jockey?
I would have enjoyed having a chance. I did ride in amateur races but I would have always had a weight problem.
Who was the first trainer you worked for? How long were you with him and how valuable was that experience?
I have always wanted to work with horses. My dad trained in PE and once he retired I went to Eric Sands for 3 years and David Payne for 8. Both great horsemen taught me everything I know today.
What year did you take out your trainer’s licence and how many horses did you start with?
I took out my licence in 1999 and started with 20 horses. Brian Jenks gave me a chance and the Carlisle’s were also my first clients.
Which were the best horses you worked with early on in your career?
Royal Saga (5 wins), Main Wonder (5 wins), Unknown Heights (1st Black type winner), Rebel Patriot (10 wins), Wood Be Magic (10 wins including the Christmas Handicap) and Tamarino Bay (10 wins).
You had a long association with the legendary trainer David Payne. Tell us about how that influenced your training career?
Attention to detail and honesty is always important. David was a hard task master, in fact Eric as well. They said let your horses do the talking and be honest with your clients.
Do you recall having your first runner as a trainer and your first winner?
Whispering Magic ridden by Robbie Hill over 1000m at Greyville and it was also my first winner (1st runner/1st winner).
A short history of your achievements thus far…..
Total winners to date?
Over 500.
Total graded winners?
15.
How many of those were Grade 1 winners?
5.
Best finishing position on the National Trainer’s Log and the KZN Log?
13th on the National log and 3rd on the KZN log.
Most winners in a day?
4 (twice).
Biggest race in terms of value and prestige that you have won?
Probably the Cape Flying Championship (Grade 1) with Via Africa who is a filly that beat the boys. The amount of work that went into her prep was amazing.
Has there ever been a race that you feel you should have won but lost due to circumstances?
Felix The Cat when she ran 2nd in the Thekwini Stakes (Grade 1). It was in soft ground and from a poor draw she was beaten a short head.
Can you tell us briefly about your first Grade 1 winner?
Zeeno was the first when he won the Gold Medallion at Scottsville. The feeling was amazing after all the years of battling. It will be a moment in my life that I will never forget as it changed the course of my career.
Where are your stables currently based and how many horses do you have in your care?
I am training at Ashburton Gold Circle Training Centre. We currently run a string of 100 horses.
The Howells yard is an extremely professional outfit. Tell us about your team right down to your workriders?
I have 45 grooms and 10 workriders with 4 assistants (Alex, Sean, Kospendul and Elliot). Cathy does yearling selection and admin. I just steer the ship.
There have often been rumours that your wife has a great eye for top horses at the sales. How much of truth is there in that statement?
The proof is in the pudding. No trainer can be successful without good stock. She also works with a limited budget when compared to other Bloodstock agents.
Which top horses has she been instrumental in selecting?
Zeeno (Group 1 winner which cost R 40 000),
Gypsy’s Warning (Multiple Grade 1 winner and won a Grade 1 in America – cost R 160 000)
Wood Be Magic (cost R 25 000 and won 10 races including a Group 3)
Tamarino Bay (cost R 25 000 and had 10 wins including a Grade 3 and a Listed race).
Some of the most recent ones are:
Same Jurisdiction (recently won the Breeders Million)
Along Came Polly (cost R 60 000 and won two Grade 1 races).
That is just to name a few.
Horseracing has changed a lot over the past two decades as there are many more trainers around, making it much more tougher to acquire loyal support from patrons. In order for a yard to be extremely successful it seems that marketing has become a very important tool. What are your thoughts on this?
Your best marketing is winning races. With the aid of websites you can showcase your achievements and provide insight into the upcoming events.
Does the Howells yard a website?
www.howellsracing.co.za
Does the yard have a stable jockey?
Kevin Shea has the pick of the rides.
Would you like to pay tribute to some of your loyal patrons that have been with the yard over the years?
Avison and Mary Carlisle are my longest standing clients. I fortunately have many loyal clients and have too many to mention individually.
What can the Howells stable offer to any potential clients?
1) Proven yearling selection
2) An honest evaluation of a horses career
3) Every horse gets the best individual attention
4) Good communication with clients.
What training aids does the Howells stable have for their horses?
We have recently put in a horse walker.
The stable has also been known to give young apprentices some very good opportunities. Are you using any youngsters at the moment and which ones have you earmarked as future stars?
Our younger riders of today seem to take a little longer to learn the ropes. I thought Xavier Carstens’ ride on The Helmsman was superb.
You have had some great jockeys ride for you over the years. Who would be the one jockey that stands out in your mind as being closest to the ‘perfect’ package?
A tough question. The standard of our riders is world class. It is very difficult to single one out as they all do their best for us.
Before we get into your runners on Gold Cup day, we have to talk about the superstar sprinter, Via Africa. Tell us about her and what it was like training such a great horse?
The saying ‘Good horses find you’ is very true in this instance. She was sent to us by Andre Hauptfleisch. She was the perfect athlete with a great temperament. She really enjoyed racing and would always push herself to the maximum.
What are the future plans for her?
She has left the country with Mike de Kock for an overseas campaign.
You are sponsored by WINNING FORM. How did you become involved with them?
Warren Lenferna recommended me.
How important is this sponsorship to you and what are the benefits of being sponsored by Winning Form?
My grooms are always well presented at the races with their sponsored uniforms. I also get good exposure in the Winning Form publication, twice a week.
What does Winning Form expect of you in return for their sponsorship?
Exposure after winning a race and comments on my runners.
Do you think it would be beneficial for racing, in general, if all trainers were sponsored?
Yes, overheads are extremely high when running a racing yard.
The Gold Cup final field is out. Who do you make the horse to beat?
Master Sabina.
There are also two Grade 1 juvenile races on the card. You have nominated three runners in the Thekwini Stakes and your main runner seems to be SAME JURISDICTION who won the KZN Yearling Sales Million impressively on July day. She takes a steep rise in class but you obviously rate her highly. What are you expecting of her?
She is a very athletic filly who has improved quickly with racing. The race will prove how good we are at present but she will also improve as she gets older and matures. I always thought she will be better as a 3 year old.
Your other two runners in the race are JUST LUCKY and LITTLEBLACKNUMBER. They both didn’t shape in the Golden Slipper on July day but can we see an improved performance from them in the Thekwini Stakes over the mile?
Just Lucky drew badly again and won’t be running. Littleblacknumber is a decent filly and with a good draw she will improve and can run into the money.
ONE COOL DUDE was outrun late in the Thukela Handicap by Lockheed Jetstar last time. He got penalized 4 points for that run and now steps up into Grade 1 company. Does he have the class to be competitive in this field?
I think over the 1800m he will do very well. He has come to form and will be competitive.
Please can you give us a comment about your other runners on the day?
Perfect Circle is well and can go close if taking to the poly. Indigo Child is honest and will run well if suited to the poly.
There is one more historic meeting to be held at Clairwood Racecourse on 2 August 2014, before if closes down. What are your views on the sale of the track?
Unfortunately economics dictate. It is obviously disappointing as we are losing our only galloping track in the province.
You have had a few horses race on the Greyville poly since it’s been in operation. What are your early thoughts of the surface?
Looks good and it will be a learning curve for all. It is a very even surface and I can’t see any negatives as long as it is maintained properly.
Do you have any horses in particular that you think will be suited to the course?
Tuscan, Miss Tiger Eyes, Flamenco Fusion and time will tell with others.
What is the most memorable day you have had in racing?
Too many to single out, obviously the Grade 1 winners but every winner is memorable.
You are having a really successful run. What advice would you give to any aspirant young trainers?
Horseracing has been very good to me. Work, work and when you think you are finished go and check again. Things will go up and down, never lose faith in yourself and never stop learning.
How do you celebrate a really successful day?
Quietly. A few drinks with clients or supper but I am a bit boring and go to bed early.
Which other members of your family are really keen on racing?
Alex, my son, is very keen and runs our yard with determination.
The saying is “Behind every successful man is an equally successful woman”. Does this apply to Duncan Howells?
Most definitely, we are a team.
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