Owner of the Month – June – Keino Kemsley
Entering the sport of horseracing comes in many different forms of ownership, whether it’s individual ownership, or partnerships and syndicates, the passion and thrill of the sport drives these owners to step out of the shadows and work towards their aspirations. From owners with one or two horses, to owners with a string of horses, each owner is so valuable to the growth and success of the sport.
This month, the Racehorse Owners Association is thrilled to present Keino Kemsley as our Owner of the Month. A humble and passionate owner who has loved the game for decades and is finally stepping out of the shadows.
Keino’s racing journey began over 30 years ago when he took a share in his first horse. He vividly recalls the pride of walking into the parade ring, feeling like he had finally crossed to the other side of the railing. That moment, when punters asked him if his horse had a chance, cemented his place in the sport. “My horse finished second that day, and I thought I owned a champion!”
He says, “I walk around the racecourse some days listening to punters to see their reactions to their selections in a race. Some rejoice, some curse, their reasoning with fellow punters as to what transpired, be it right or wrong, they are back again in the next race, you’ve got to love this game.”
From those early days of small shares and background involvement, Keino has now stepped out fully, proudly owning two thoroughbreds in training under his own name and colours. Both are based at Randjesfontein with trainer Paul Matchett, and Keino speaks fondly of visiting the stables during his breaks from work abroad. “I love seeing Paul and Sarah work their magic with these babies. You always feel welcome at their stables.” In the past, Keino raced with a few colleagues, and they had horses all over the country, including the Highveld, KwaZulu-Natal, the Western and Eastern Cape and even Kimberley, and this brought many highs and lows, his passion still grew steadily.
Growing up, Keino inherited the love for horses from his father and aspired to become a jockey, while this did not come to fruition, Keino certainly hopes that his son Jamie, will have a better chance. Reminiscing on his early love for horses, Keino said: “I would accompany my dad to the off-course tote and remember him telling me how I chose a straight-line Jackpot for him. He would also tell me how I could pick July winners, and family members would often ask my advice on the big race day.”
The Kemsley Family moved from Cape Town to Johannesburg about 20 years ago due to work opportunities, however, they often visit their parents in the Cape as often as they can. Keino’s son Jamie recently completed the Work Riders’ Programme under James Maree and rides work at the Matchett yard on occasion. Jamie’s passion is infectious and all-consuming, reminding Keino of himself at that age. “It just warms my heart to see him on a horse, doing what he’s been taught, watching race replays over and over, his enthusiasm is on another level.”
Meanwhile, his daughter Jorja, who has her father’s quick-thinking personality, is pursuing a law degree at Varsity College, he hopes she will take him to the races when he is older, he jokingly added that he worked abroad to keep up with college fees. Keino’s wife Chantel, affectionately called “Channie”, holds the family together while Keino works abroad. “I don’t think I get to thank her enough. Thank you, Channie.”
Keino has been in the construction industry for more than 30 years and has had the pleasure and the opportunity to see and work around the world on many projects. He is a PDM Consultant on one of the world’s largest mining projects in West Africa.
Keino describes racing as a sport where the thrill never fades. “It happens every race, every meeting. How can you not love this sport?” That passion spills over to everyone around him. From friends to family, even Jamie’s group of 20-something-year-old friends have become hooked on racing thanks to Keino’s invitations. “When are we coming again, Uncle Keino?” they ask. Although he wasn’t there in person for the first win in his own colours, he says the moment was unforgettable. Watching from a hotel room thousands of miles away, Keino’s celebration was so enthusiastic the hotel staff checked in to see if he was alright. “I screamed so loud, but I felt it a million miles away.” His dream now is to lead in a winner himself, an experience he knows is just around the corner.
Since joining the ROA just over a year ago, Keino has found a supportive and informative home within the organization. “The ROA has been nothing but accommodating. I’d recommend any aspiring owner to become a member, it’s a necessity.”
As he looks ahead to acquiring more horses at the upcoming sales and seeing Jamie’s aspirations take flight, Keino remains a vibrant example of the joy, dedication, and spirit that make horseracing so unique.
We thank Keino for his continued support and wish the Kemsley Family many more successes throughout their respective journeys in this wonderful sport.
