Owner of the month – April – Devin Heffer

Few young owners in South African racing are as deeply embedded in the sport’s modern evolution as Devin Heffer. Balancing large-scale ownership, brand leadership, and a genuine love for the horse, he represents a new generation helping to reshape the industry from within. We are therefore thrilled to present Devin as our Owner of the Month.

At the heart of his involvement are two distinct ownership models. Through Hollywood Racing, where he works alongside Anthony Delpech and a broad professional team, Devin is part of a formidable operation with 222 horses in training nationwide and is proud of the investment that Owen Heffer and Hollywoodbets have put into the sport, and how it supports various stakeholders, breeders, jockeys, apprentices, trainers, grooms and more.

In parallel, his racing partnership with Ridgemont and Craig Kieswetter focuses on a more targeted breeding-driven approach, where success is measured not only on the track but in the long-term strength of pedigrees of their breeding stock. With 57 horses in training, the emphasis here is firmly on achieving black type to enhance future generations.

This scale naturally requires a wide training network. Hollywood Racing horses are spread across 28 trainers in all four racing jurisdictions, reflecting a collaborative and inclusive approach. Long-standing relationships with trainers such as Clinton Binda sit alongside newer partnerships with figures like Mike and Mathew de Kock and emerging talents like Wengesai Masawi. Every trainer brings something different to the table and they have achieved black-type success with Brett and James Crawford, Peter Muscutt, Stuart Ferrie, Gareth van Zyl, Grant Maroun, Candice Bass and Duncan Howells. Across both operations, Devin highlights a unified philosophy: every trainer is part of the same team, and moving horses and supporting smaller stables is a big goal for them, with a strong understanding from everyone.

His journey into racing feels almost inevitable. Growing up around Winning Form and Hollywoodbets, Devin was immersed in the sport from an early age. Yet it was only in 2018, with the revival of the Hollywood Syndicate (now Hollywood Racing), that his passion truly took hold. What began as a drive to improve transparency by launching a dedicated website for followers, quickly became something deeper. Today, he speaks of a constant pursuit of knowledge, particularly in the intricacies of pedigrees, where hours can pass in focused study.

Devin serves as Brand and Communications Manager for Hollywoodbets, a role that places him at the intersection of sport, media, and community. His work spans marketing, sponsorships, and public relations, connecting the brand to major sporting entities such as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Brentford as well as all the different stakeholders in the racing industry. His involvement with Race Coast in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions reflects a broader ambition to help reposition South African racing with renewed energy and direction. The Hollywood Foundation is also a big part of their business and culture, and paying it forward is always one of the most humbling and enjoyable aspects for them.

Despite the scale and pace of his work, Devin values life’s quieter moments, often found escaping to the Berg and the Bush. Yet it is the horse itself that remains central to everything he does. Introducing newcomers to racing, particularly through his Summerveld tours, stands out as one of his greatest joys. Watching someone encounter a horse for the first time and form an instant connection is, in his words, one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport.

That connection extends beyond racing careers. Through the Hollywoodbets Life After Racing programme, run by Nicole Wille and the Ashburton team, they have already rehomed 68 horses, ensuring they find safe and caring environments beyond the track.

Of course, racing is also about the thrill of competition, and few moments capture that better than victory. A standout memory remains Black Thorn’s triumph in the DStv Gold Vase on Hollywoodbets Durban July day in 2022. As Hollywood Syndicate’s first feature win, it carried both emotional and professional significance. Celebrating in front of a packed Hollywoodbets Greyville grandstand alongside Delpech, the moment symbolized not just success, but validation as it was their first ever sponsorship of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. With this race being the opening leg of the Pick 6 and Black Thorne being favorite, Devin was relieved that the son of Pomodoro delivered for the punters on the day.

Looking ahead, Devin is optimistic about the future of South African racing. “I think we are in a period where there is such positive energy in the South African racing industry and a renewed vision of hope. Our greatest message has been: “There is no time for talking, only for doing!”

With collaboration between major industry players and a shared commitment to growth, he believes the foundations are being laid for a stronger, more sustainable future. He says: “Watching the tangible changes both in the Western Cape and KZN, as well as the work Mary Slack and 4Racing are doing in their centres, and the fact that we are working together for the first time ever, really provides a bright future for the sport in South Africa. Focusing on what is best for racing in the country, as opposed to personal interests, will be the way we achieve more together. As a team, we know we have a big mountain to climb, and there are even greater changes required to get the sport on an upward trajectory. However, we are going to give it our best shot.”

As a member of the ROA, he has embraced both the practical benefits and the broader sense of community. He commends Natalie and her team when Hollywood Racing are hosted on the Highveld or in the Eastern Cape and sees the concerted effort to constantly improve the owner’s experience. From seamless parade ring access across jurisdictions to invitations received for raceday runners, he sees clear evidence of an organization striving to enhance ownership at every level.

We thank Devin for his forward thinking, passion and love for the industry and wish him, his partners at Ridgemont and Hollywoodbets the very best for the future!