Life Member of the Month – October – Darryl Yutar

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Darryl Yutar as our Racehorse Owners Association Life Member of the Month, a passionate racehorse owner whose love for the sport runs deep in his family. Just a few months ago, we featured Darryl’s father, Hilton Yutar, as a Life Member, and we honour their support to the ROA for more than 25 years.

Darryl’s introduction to the world of racing came at an early age, thanks to his father’s long-standing involvement in the sport. Growing up in Johannesburg, Darryl fondly remembers cheering for the horses his father owned and has loved the sport since.
His favorite racing memory to date includes the moment Pointing North (Joshua Dancer (USA) x Compass Point) won the Grade 1 Bloodstock SA Cape Guineas on the 5th of January 2008. Another astonishing moment was when Vardy (Var (USA) x Cupid) won the Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queens Plate on the 11th of January 2020.

Horses owned by Darryl and his partners include Zambomba (Al Mufti (USA) x Jazz Champion), Fork Lightening (Rambo Dancer (CAN) x Dancing Firelight), Purple Diamond (Var (USA) x Jalberry), Bereave (Vercengetorix (SAF) x Jeanre). More recently, they are proud to own Universal (Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) x Cupid) and the 2024 Eastern Cape Awards Champion three-year-old Nominee, Luna Halo who ran a thrilling race and won the Betway Pinnacle Stakes (F&M) on Algoa Cup Day on the 25th of October 2024. Darryl added that there is no better feeling than having a winner with his father and great friends. He now has horses trained by Tony Peter on the Highveld and with Alan Greeff in the Eastern Cape.

Darryl has carved out a successful career in insurance and investments, boasting over 25 years of experience in the industry. Outside of racing, Darryl enjoys travelling and loves watching sport with friends. He is particularly fond of rugby and athletics. He is also a dedicated family man, married to his wife Gabi and they have two wonderful children: Aiden, aged 11, and Kiara, aged 3, who already shares her father’s enthusiasm for the sport, as she thoroughly enjoys coming to Turffontein Racecourse with him.
As a member of the Racehorse Owners Association, Darryl appreciates the various benefits that come with racehorse ownership, particularly the bonus race incentives and the facilities available on course. These perks not only enhance the race-day experience but also foster a deeper connection among owners, trainers and racing enthusiasts.

We thank Darryl for his continued support and wish him and the entire Yutar family a wonderful season ahead.