Board of Directors

Xander Spies is a dynamic young figure in the South African horseracing landscape, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative strategies aimed at rejuvenating the sport for future generations. As a qualified attorney with a deep-rooted legacy in racing, Xander represents the culmination of three generations of passion and expertise in the industry. His grandfather, Tobie Spies, a revered trainer, laid the foundation, while his father, Corné Spies, continues to be a luminary in the field as a celebrated trainer.
At the age of 27, Xander has already carved out a notable path as a successful racehorse owner. His accomplishments in the racing world are impressive, boasting ownership stakes in several distinguished horses such as William Robertson, Van Halen, Singforafa, and Imperial Ruby. His portfolio includes two Grade 1 victories, a Grade 2 win, three Grade 3 triumphs, and a multitude of listed race successes.

His vision extends beyond personal achievements; he is deeply committed to the revitalization of horse racing in South Africa. Recognizing the challenges faced by the sport, he is dedicated to devising novel and modern strategies that resonate with the younger demographic. His aim is to ensure the sustainability and growth of racing by making it more accessible and appealing to the youth, thereby securing its future.

Xander's professional background as an attorney, combined with his racing pedigree, equips him with a unique blend of skills and insights that are invaluable to the ROA and the racing community. Xander hopes that with his contribution, the future of South African horseracing may embrace a renewed sense of potential and optimism.

Natalie Turner joined the ROA in 2009 after completing her articles and holds a B. Com degree in Financial Accounting. She managed Finance, HR and Administration until her appointment as CEO in July 2020. In addition, she oversees the transformation projects of The Thoroughbred Horse Racing Trust which include the Work Riders Programme on the Highveld and Eastern Cape as well as the Gauteng Jockey Academy. Natalie also represents the ROA on the South African Jockey Academy Board.

She registered her individual colours in June 2020 and has been involved in various partnerships. She has an inherent passion for the industry, strives to serve not only members but all participants in horseracing and is determined to make a meaningful difference.

Jackie Sparke is a qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) and boasts over 33 years of experience in finance and tax. Most recently, she was the Finance Director for Mary Oppenheimer Daughters till December 2021 and retired in June 2023. Jackie served as a director of numerous family companies and had been with E Oppenheimer & Son (Pty) Ltd from September 2003 until 30 June 2018, when her employment contract was transferred to Mary Oppenheimer Daughters (Pty) Ltd. Jackie was responsible for all the financial and tax affairs of over 60 entities including the services company and all other related companies, trusts and individual family members.
During her working career with the Oppenheimer family, Jackie was responsible for the financials for the stud and racing activities for Mauritzfontein. In May 2021 Jackie joined the Magical Lady Syndicate and was a part owner in the syndicate’s first filly, Miss Magician, daughter of Willow Magic. Miss Magician won her first race for the syndicate in June of 2021 and the bug had clearly bitten as Jackie continued with her ownership journey when the syndicate purchased another chestnut filly at the National Yearling Sale, a Vercingetorix filly called Mrs Geriatrix. One could say the rest is history as Mrs Geriatrix went on to win Champion Two-Year-Old Filly at the Highveld Feature Season Awards and the Equus Awards for the 2022/2023 season.

Being part of the syndicate has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience for Jackie, she says “Despite being associated with stud and racing activities for many years I never dreamed that I would ever own a racehorse but the syndicate made a dream come true. I am proud to be involved with such a dynamic group of ladies and have shared many special and exciting moments and memories over the last couple of years. We were all super gifted when Sean Tarry, our phenomenal trainer, found our fairy tale filly Mrs Geriatrix who has real class and above all the biggest heart. It has been the most amazing journey for me and often have to pinch myself that it is for real”

Jackie has since retired from day-to-day corporate activities and now provides financial and tax consulting services. She brings extensive corporate experience, financial and tax acumen and by being an owner in a modern South African racing context, she offers substantial insight into the racing experience for current and potential owners. Especially from a syndication or fractional owner point of view, areas which are key to the future sustainability of the sport.

Trevelen Pillay has been involved in horseracing from an early age and has been actively involved in thoroughbred ownership since the early 2000’s. He has a promising string of horses, strategically spread across various locations in the country. These horses are owned in Trevelen’s individual capacity, some within partnerships, as well as the syndicates in which he is involved. He is currently the nominee of Kisten Pillay Racing Syndicate as well as TKP Racing. Today, he is recognized among the top league of owners in South Africa, consistently supporting the industry with his investments and enthusiasm.

Trevelen has business interests in a few companies that specialize in supply chain and staffing solutions across diverse industries.

As a director of the Racehorse Owners Association, Trevelen advocates closer collaboration between the ROA and racing authorities nationwide, citing the importance of collective efforts to promote ownership within the industry and enhance the overall racing experience, particularly on feature racedays. He believes that these partnerships will encourage more people to come to the racecourse, which in turn benefits all stakeholders. His vision and leadership are expected to bring fresh energy and strategic direction to the ROA, ensuring a bright future for racehorse ownership in South Africa.

Andrea Puggia is a passionate Eastern Cape racehorse owner whose involvement in the sport spans over two decades. Racing runs in his blood, his great uncle, the late Aldo Scribante, was a prominent local owner, and his love for the game began in the early 1970’s. Today, he has horses in training with Eastern Cape trainers Alan Greeff and Jacques Strydom and has enjoyed leading in numerous winners over the years with them as well as the late Gavin Smith.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Andrea spent his entire career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), serving as a partner for 28 years before retiring. Leadership positions held within PwC include Partner in charge of Port Elizabeth office and E Cape region and Leader of quality review teams (nationally and internationally).

Other governance positions held include Chairman of Southern Region of South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Treasurer and President of Humewood Golf Club, Board member of PE Child and Family Welfare Centre and Trustee of St Francis Hospice Trust, just to name a few.
A proud member of the Racehorse Owners Association since 2001, Andrea believes unity and collaboration are essential for the future of South African racing, along with attracting younger participants through syndication. His enduring enthusiasm, loyalty to the sport, and appreciation for its history and characters define him as a dedicated and respected racehorse owner.