South Africa: Champion trainer Paul Peter has shocked the South African racing community with the sudden announcement that he is to relinquish his licence, reportedly “due to personal reasons”.
The news emerged on Thursday [Sept 8] when the National Horseracing Authority revealed that Peter would saddle his last runners on Saturday [Sept 10].
Chief executive Vee Moodley said: “Whilst the NHA acknowledges the loss of the champion trainer of the previous season to the horseracing industry, we respect Mr Peter’s decision and wish him well in all his future endeavours.”
In the most recent campaign, Turffontein-based Peter set a new record of most winners in a season with 221 successes. He leads the rankings for 2022-23 with 20 wins.
Peter sent out his first runners in 2010 and since then has trained more than 1,000 winners, gaining his first G1 success in 2020 with Summer Pudding, a winner four times at the highest level.
The NHA said Peter had made known his intentions to quit training at a meeting with Moodley. All subsequent runners would be scratched and new stables would be found for his string.
Peter has yet to respond to media requests for comment but a message allegedly sent by the trainer to owners, which was shared on social media, said: “Good afternoon, I would like to inform you that due to personal reasons I have relinquished my training license.
“It is a very emotional time for me and my family. I am so sorry that I am unable to call every single one of you. I am so grateful to all of my owners and I am thankful for you and wish everyone God’s richest blessings.
“Please note that all of your horses will be taken care of and in good hands until new stabling homes are found for them.”
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