Life Member of the Month – April – Bernard Kantor
The Racehorse Owners Association is proud to feature Life Member Bernard Kantor, whose journey in horseracing began in the most unexpected way. Some 40 years ago, his younger brother left South Africa for the UK, but not before informing Bernard that he had invested in a racehorse, the responsibility of which would now fall to him. What started as an obligation soon became a lifelong passion.
Growing up, Bernard’s early years were shaped by his father’s work as a civil engineer building dams across South Africa. As a result, he attended boarding school from a young age, an experience he recalls as challenging at just seven years old. Later, the family settled in Pretoria, where he attended Pretoria Boys High School. It was here that Bernard truly thrived, inspired by a headmaster he describes as “a Jürgen Klopp-type character”: supportive, encouraging, and inspiring. His school days were filled with sport, camaraderie, and daily cycles to school, creating memories that clearly left a lasting impression.
Over the years, Bernard has amassed an enviable list of racing achievements and unforgettable moments. Among his most cherished highlights are two victories in the Durban July with the exceptional Do It Again, trained by the Snaith family, as well as a long-held dream realized when the same horse captured the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate. Other standout successes include a Summer Cup triumph with Ingleside under the guidance of Mike de Kock, and the remarkable Sovereign Seas, who recorded 13 wins.
Bernard’s racing interests have extended far beyond South African shores. He has enjoyed considerable international success, including nine Group 1 victories in the UK, Germany, and France with renowned trainer William Haggas. His time racing in Singapore with Patrick Shaw also yielded many winners and fond memories. One particularly notable international moment came when Basil Marcus secured a Group 1 victory in the Grand Criterion run in Milan, triumphing over a strong Coolmore contingent. Another memorable experience was Young Rascal’s entry into the 2018 Investec Derby, where he started as second favourite, though the race itself did not go to plan. Bernard also reflects on the privilege of developing and maintaining a relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II, a truly special highlight in an already distinguished journey.
Among his many valued partnerships, Bernard highlights his long-standing involvement with Klawervlei Stud alongside John Koster, whom he praises as an exceptional horseman.
His list of owned horses reads like a roll call of excellence, including names such as Twice Over, Do It Again, Ingleside, Sovereign Seas, Young Rascal, Irish Flame, Rakeen, Count Dubois, Right Approach, and Future Free, among many others. Throughout his career as an owner, Bernard has worked with some of the finest trainers in the world, including Patrick Shaw, Mike de Kock, the Snaith family, and William Haggas. He speaks highly of each, noting their differing styles but shared brilliance and horsemanship.
A member of the ROA for 29 years, Bernard values the organization most for its informative role and contribution to the racing community.
Outside of racing, Bernard enjoys an active lifestyle, spending time in the gym and walking, particularly early in the morning in London, where he appreciates watching the city come to life. A passionate sports fan, he closely follows football, especially Liverpool, as well as cricket and international rugby.
Family remains central to his life. Bernard is married to Dayle, and together they have two children, Gregg and Ami-Leigh, both married, and five grandchildren ranging in age from just a few weeks to six years old. Despite his deep involvement in racing, he notes with amusement that his brothers, one in Amsterdam and the other in London, are not involved in the sport and were even unaware when Do It Again won his first Durban July.
Reflecting on the broader industry, Bernard acknowledges the challenges facing racing globally, noting that only a few regions such as Japan and Australia are currently thriving. He believes that growing participation through structured syndication and stronger government support in South Africa will be key to revitalizing the sport.
Professionally, Bernard spent an impressive 42 years with Investec before retiring in 2018. He now serves as an advisor to a select group of companies, continuing to share his wealth of experience and insight.
We thank Bernard for his longstanding support to the industry and the ROA, and wish him the very best for the future.
