Life Member of the Month – June – Fred Heydenrych
The Racehorse Owners Association is delighted to present Fred Heydenrych as our Life Member of the Month in the June edition of ROA Today.
Born in Worcester in the Cape Province, Fred’s early years were spent moving between several towns and communities, including Vanderbijlpark, Florida, CMR Mines, Regents Park and Kensington. These experiences helped shape a hardworking and versatile individual who would go on to enjoy success across several industries.
Unlike many racing enthusiasts, Fred did not come from a racing family. His introduction to the sport came at the age of sixteen through a Greek café owner named Nick, whose establishment was situated around the corner from Fred’s home in Regents Park. Nick would often ask Fred for betting advice, relying on information passed on by one of Fred’s friends who was a trainee jockey. Before long, Fred was making regular trips to the Tattersalls betting offices in Loveday Street, Johannesburg, placing wagers on Nick’s behalf while working his first job.
One of Fred’s most treasured racing memories revolves around a horse named Queen of All. He fondly recalls the many occasions he backed her to victory, creating a collection of memories that still stand out today. His passion for racing also led him into the business side of the sport when he acquired the Victory Racing plates agency in South Africa. During a presentation at his stall at the Yearling Sales, a trainer questioned whether horses would slip while wearing the plates. Rather than dismissing the concern, Fred decided to learn more. He enrolled at Newmarket Racecourse under P.H. van Rooyen and qualified as a farrier, ensuring he fully understood the product he was selling and the needs of the horses using it.
His love of racing has also taken him beyond South Africa’s borders. Among his favourite experiences was attending a race meeting at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong, which he describes as both an enjoyable and profitable outing for himself and his late wife, Pat.
Over the years, Fred developed friendships with many of the industry’s trainers, jockeys and bookmakers, further deepening his connection to the sport. His commitment and standing within racing were recognized when Henry Eatwell endorsed his nomination as a steward of the Turffontein Racing Club. In a letter supporting Fred’s candidacy, Henry described him as a man with a keen interest in racing, strong business credentials and extensive involvement in both sporting and community organizations.
Outside of racing, Fred has enjoyed a remarkably varied life. His interests include golf, rugby, boxing, hunting and farming. Professionally, Fred spent 39 years farming, operated clothing businesses for 50 years and was involved in the hunting and firearms industry for four decades. Today, he enjoys a well-earned retirement.
Family remains important to Fred. He and his beloved wife Pat shared 56 years of marriage before her passing two years ago. Together they raised two daughters. While racing was not a major feature within the immediate family, Fred recalls that his father-in-law was particularly passionate about the sport.
When asked about the future of racing, Fred remains optimistic and believes there are many capable individuals who can continue to drive the industry forward and help it reach even greater heights.
