Life Member of the Month – July – Kevin Backos

Our Life Member feature remains popular in every edition, as we learn about the journeys that shaped these individuals over the years, and their longstanding commitment to the industry is always inspiring. The Racehorse Owners Association is honored to present Kevin Backos as our Life Member of the Month in the July edition of ROA Today!

As a dedicated racehorse owner and Life Member of the ROA, Kevin’s contribution to the sport has been shaped by a deep family legacy, a love for horses, and a genuine commitment to racing’s continued growth. Kevin was first introduced to the world of horseracing by his late father, Johnny, and brother, Martin, who were both avid owners. Born and raised in Orange Grove, Johannesburg, Kevin’s passion for the sport grew alongside the deep-rooted values instilled by his family.

The racing bug runs in the Backos family, with multiple generations sharing in the excitement of the sport. “Racing brings us closer — it’s in our blood,” Kevin says proudly. “From an early age, I was captivated by the thrill of the sport, the beauty of the horses, and the vibrant community around it,” he recalls. Kevin has been an owner since 1990 and celebrates 35 years of active involvement in the industry.

His ownership journey has been marked by several proud moments, including the unforgettable near-win in the Vodacom Durban July with Smanjemanje in 2012 and a third-place finish in the Dubai World Cup with the talented Victory Moon in 2004.

Victory Moon was conditioned by Mike de Kock and owned by the Mad Syndicate. The colt had one run and one win at Scottsville and went on to have a successful stint in Dubai over three seasons from 2002-2004, running 8 races with 6 wins and 2 places. The son of Al Mufti won the UAE 2000 Guineas and the UAE Derby which placed South Africa on the map in 2003 along with Ipi Tombe who won the Dubai Duty Free Stakes at the same race meeting. South Africa pays homage to these horses each year as feature races are named after them. It was quite a special moment for Kevin when Smanjemanje won the Victory Moon Stakes Gr 2 in 2011.

Horses owned by Kevin over the years include Levendi, Blazing Brave, Domino Man, Smanjemanje, Singing Sword, Katys Lane, Judicial, La Mahool, and Johnny Hero. Throughout his racing journey, he has entrusted his horses to longtime trainer Tyrone Zackey, whom he describes as “an exceptional horseman with deep understanding and passion for his craft”, and they have shared many milestones together.

Outside of racing, Kevin is equally passionate about sport and leisure. You’ll often find him on the golf course or enjoying a competitive round of bowls, he finds both sports relaxing and competitive in their own ways, much like racing.

Professionally, Kevin has dedicated his career to the automotive industry, for over two decades, he served as Director of three businesses within this sector: Bulldog Group Co., R.S.B., and Y.E.S. His work in this sector reflects the same dedication, strategy, and long-term vision that he brings to his involvement in racing.

Looking to the future, Kevin believes that growing the sport will depend on improving the overall ownership experience. “To attract more participation, we need higher stakes, better entertainment offerings at racecourses, and more owner perks,” he notes. “Making ownership more rewarding — both emotionally and financially — is key to revitalizing the sport.”

As a proud Life Member of the ROA for the past 26 years, Kevin acknowledges the role the Association has played in enhancing his ownership experience. “It’s the little things that make a big difference,” he says. “From race day privileges to the sense of community among fellow owners, the ROA has added real value and enjoyment to the journey.”

We thank Kevin for his longstanding and unwavering support and wish the entire Backos family a great racing season ahead.