Owner of the Month – October – Shanton Naicker

The Racehorse Owners Association is thrilled to present Shanton Naicker as our owner of the month, as we learn more about his passion for the sport, his growing relationships and his future enthusiasm in his ownership journey. While this journey may have begun only three years ago, his passion for the sport has grown at remarkable speed. Today, he is involved in 12 horses, and perhaps even more special is that his enthusiasm for racing is already being shared by his five-year-old son.

Shanton was introduced to racing by a close friend who was already involved in the sport. It was an introduction that would open the door to a world that quickly captured his imagination, beginning with racing in the Eastern Cape and eventually developing into a growing ownership portfolio.

Of his 12 horses, nine are individually owned, while three are held in partnership. His horses are currently spread across several yards, with Shanton placing great value on the relationships he has built with the trainers who have been part of his journey. He currently has eight horses with Paul Matchett, describing their relationship as an outstanding one that has developed well beyond the traditional trainer-owner association. “He is my trainer, but we have become friends,” Shanton explains. He also has horses with Mike and Matthew de Kock, Adam Azzie and Mike Azzie, with these newer relationships continuing to develop. Shanton speaks with great respect for each of his trainers and is looking forward to seeing these partnerships grow over time.

One relationship, however, holds a particularly special place in his racing journey. Fabian Habib was the trainer who brought Shanton the success that made him truly enjoy the sport. Their relationship has grown into one built on mutual respect, and they treat each other as family.

Among the highlights of his young ownership career, his favorite racing memory thus far is winning a Juvenile race with Versace Onthetrack. The experience only fueled his ambition, and he is now setting his sights firmly on bigger races and greater success.

For Shanton, however, ownership is about far more than simply watching the results. It is the thrill of seeing the horses jump as the gates open, witnessing their incredible ability to reach high speeds and experiencing the anticipation of every race. Just as importantly, racing has introduced him to a community of people who share the same passion.

Outside of racing, Shanton is involved in his family-owned medical company, which specializes in advanced wound management, HIV/AIDS prevention programmes and the manufacture of medical consumables. He is also a partner in a legal consulting firm.

When he is not working or following his horses, Shanton enjoys travelling with his family, discovering different countries and experiencing new cultures and cuisines. They also enjoy spending time in the bush, appreciating South Africa’s wildlife and natural beauty.

With three years of racing behind him and plenty of ambition ahead, Shanton is enthusiastic about what the future holds. He believes that greater regulation of veterinary and training costs would benefit owners and help make racing more accessible to newcomers. In his view, unexpected or excessive costs can leave a sour taste for new owners and potentially discourage them from remaining in the sport.

His own experience with the Racehorse Owners Association has, fortunately, been a positive one. “My time being a member of the ROA has been an amazing journey, not only for me but for my family and friends,” he says. He appreciates the willingness of the ROA to assist members and provide advice on the various aspects of racing.

For now, Shanton is enjoying every moment, from the thrill of the starting gates to the friendships forged along the way, while continuing to dream of bigger races, more memorable victories and many more days at the track with his family. With a five-year-old son who is just as excited about the horses and the racing experience, there is every chance that the next generation of the Naicker family will grow up with the sport firmly in their hearts.

We thank Shanton for his support and wish him a wonderful journey ahead filled with memorable victories and even better racing experiences under the Equora ownership offering.