SA Horseracing recently took time out to find out more about the successful Lucinda Woodruff, as part of a series on prominent women in the horse racing industry.

How did you hear about the sport of horseracing and when can you first remember wanting to become a involved in the game?
I was lucky enough to be born into a racing family with my father (Geoff Woodruff) and Grand father ( Terrence Millard) both being top trainers. My mother Carol instilled the love of the equine into us from a very young age with our ponies which my siblings and I all grew up with and from about the age of 10 I was totally hooked on racing. I loved going racing with my dad from a very young age and took every opportunity to join him on the weekends at the races, he used to let me carry the saddles to the saddling boxes for him and I took great pride in doing so! My parents both encouraged me to go to university after school but I managed to convince them otherwise to let me try my hand in the yard and haven’t looked back!

What are the advantages of growing up in a family that’s involved in horse racing?
I do feel I am at a huge advantage to most people being born into a racing family , I’m extremely lucky to have been afforded the great knowledge passed down to me by my entire family and I’ve been naturally given the roll I have today but that doesn’t come without a lot of hard work and responsibility! Also I’ve been fortunate to meet some wonderful people and clients along the way which wouldn’t have been possible without my parents.

Under whom did you learn the trade?
My father mostly of course, I did work overseas in Australia for David Hayes (Lindsay Park) and at a stud farm called Blue Gum in 2014 where I learnt a lot.

What are the qualities or attributes that stable needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Attention to detail is key for me , the horse must always come first. But I do feel the owners are vital too , without a solid influx of quality horses coming into your yard as a trainer you won’t have much to showcase.

How many horses are you looking after at the moment? I have 20 horses down in the Cape but always looking to grow.

What are some of the best horses you have helped to train or currently train?
Louis the King, Master Sabina and Yorker are probably the stand outs for me but a lot of great horses amongst them too.

Your current highest rated horse?
At the moment Most probably our winter Derby winner Dharma

Plans for him/her?
His main target this season will be the Reserve Stayers on Met day.

What was your most memorable day in racing?
My first year working for my dad when we ran 1st 2nd 3rd and 5th in the summer cup with Yorker, Master Sabina , Tellina and Killua Castle. It was a surreal moment when they all flashed home in the final furlong, I never knew where to look!

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
Most definitely The July and Met.

Where is your favourite racetrack?
Growing up in Johannesburg I’d have to say Turffontein is one of the fairest tracks in the world and my favourite with it having such a long straight, it’s a true test of fitness

Being the holiday season and you were asking Santa for a gift, would you ask for a poly surface in Cape Town especially for the winter months?
I would say the tracks in Cape Town handle the wet winter month pretty well considering the amount of rain we can receive but I do feel another surface such as a poly track in the cape would hold great purpose in giving horses more longevity in their careers without them having to leave the province for PE and Durban. Alternatively it would help save the odd meeting we lose in winter.

Have you ever felt prejudiced against in racing as a result of being a woman?
I have never felt that way no but I am a person who gets on with
the job at hand regardless of my gender.

Do you have a favourite sire at the moment?
I have many that I like but I would say Silvano is a stand out sire.

Has any young sires impressed you?
I’m very impressed with Captain of All , we have a few lovely babies. Also, I’ve been blown away with the Louis the King two year olds this year, if they can run the way they look and work I’m sure he will make it.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
Our marketing and sponsorship has spiralled dismally, I’d love to see the stake holders paying more attention to sponsors and looking after the people of racing better. I think what Hollywood bets has done for KZN racing is fantastic and would love to see some new innovative idea’s such as theirs done in the other provinces too.

What advice would give a someone keen in getting involved in racing, either as a trainer or as an owner, especially females?
Love the horse first. Racing is incredibly tough with many lows and hard graft, ride the wheel and embrace the highs but keep your head up and push forward through the lows.

Give us your Five Racing Wishes for Christmas, in point form?
Better stakes.
More public engagement.
Transformation in the management of racing.
International export opened to take our own horses overseas.
More youth encouraged into racing.