Name: Neil Lindsay Bruss

What car do you drive? Mercedes

Married ? No

Where are you based, are you happy there? Summerveld � Kwazulu Natal

Summerveld is a top training center and with the constant upgrading of the training tracks, must rate as good as any other training facility in South Africa.

When and why did you become a trainer?

I was born into a racing family, have been around horses all my life. My father Les was a champion trainer in Zimbabwe before my training from 1942 � 1972. I learnt my craft from him and it was only natural that I took over the stable. We won 8 trainer`s championships in Zimbabwe. I relocated to Durban in 2002/2003 with 6 horses to start again.

Tell us about your team.

Tracey McLean is my assistant trainer and she is an excellent organizer and top work rider. We have Debbie Posthumus as a stable employee and my girl friend Dee Powell who oversees feeding and general health care of all our inmates. She is an accomplished horsewomen and does all the breaking in of our yearlings. Mark Moodie is our farrier and has had international experience.

Tell us about your first winner.

My first winner was my first runner in June 1972. His name was "Double Bore" by Oligarchy x Maricopa. I thought this was an easy game but was soon back to earth �in a matter of strides` as the saying goes.

If you could change one rule in racing what would it be and why?

I feel that as long as the rules are amended from time to time in conjunction with the changing patterns of racing and administered fairly by professional Stipendiary stewards, they are adequate.

What would you be doing if racing never existed?

I would probably be financially better off !!

Name the best horse you`ve seen but didn`t train?

Secretariat (USA)

Best Horse you got or trained?

Hachiman 1982 � 85. He was bred by my brother Robin and won 16 of his 20 starts including 14 Stakes events and retired as Zimbabwe`s record earner. He later became Champion Sire in Kenya.

You had a great weekend, tell us about it.

Winning the (GR.1) Garden Province Stakes with Battle Maiden and the (GR.2.) Golden Slipper with Princess Sassi on July Day was a real thrill for our stable. In addition, Zebra Crossing ran 3rd in the GR.2 Golden Horseshoe and Western Prospect finished 2nd in the Darley Arabian Open (L). All in all, a great day`s racing.

Mention some of the other better horses you have trained?

There are many but the ones who come to mind, including Battle Maiden: Hachiman, Green Pastures; Power Guard; Pashtogena; Jupiter; Fine Print; Tudor Sun; Till Daylight; Veni Vidi Vici; Divine Frolic; Count Cambridge; Honour The Guest. I have had around 1,400 winners altogether.

Which race do you think you should have won but didn`t?

Too many to remember !!

Who is your stable jockey and why you chose him/her?

I have been using Bernard FaydHerbe a lot during the season but he is restricted by his riding weight. There are a lot of good jocks in South Africa and I try to use the ones I think will best suit the horse on the day.

Favourite/Least Favourite racecourse?

Greyville is a great City track. I can`t say which I dislike the most as I have not raced on all of them but Scottsville definitely suits some horses better than others. It seems that I have a lot of horses in the �others` category.

What problems in your opinion is S.A. Racing currently facing, possible solutions?

Stake money is inadequate. I do not believe that prize money is keeping up with the inflation of the Country. Racing is increasing in popularity worldwide and the solution for my owners will be to market their best horses abroad to jurisdictions where prize money is greater. South Africa has the 8th largest racing industry in the world, but we rank closer to 20th in terms of average earnings per horse. In Hong Kong for example, the average earnings per horse is 25 times that of a similar horse in South Africa. Consequently, SA horses in training are incredibly cheap compared to most countries and we offer probably the best value in the world. Owners in my stable will always have the option to capitalize on overseas sales as my brother Robin of Northfields Bloodstock is SA`s prime exporter. In this way, our stable can race successfully and profitably.

Which three-year-olds racing at present have caught your eye?

The July winner, Grey`s Inn.

What are your immediate goals for the future?

To always increase the quality of my horses. We know that only 3% of all horses win Stakes Races and therefore, we try and select stock that can aim for the top races where the best returns are made. All horses cost the same to feed, so its much more interesting racing top horses than average horses, and I would prefer my owners to trade their horses profitably and reinvest at higher level. There is one inescapable fact in racing : the easiest way to win any race is to own the BEST horse !

Mention some horses in your yard that we need to follow?

Of our three year olds, Laurels won 4 in a row and is talented; Western Prospect is a big late maturing horse and should develop into a high class stayer.; Winter Blush and Glitter are well above average. Of the two year olds that have raced, Zebra Crossing (a half brother to two Grade 1 winners) is top class and I`m looking forward to a big season with him; King`s Oak is a � brother to Horse Chestnut; Balar, a Western Winter filly won her debut by 4 lengths and Princess Sassi has claims be the best 2yo filly in the country. All will be worth following. I have an excellent group of yearlings so expect a good season with my juveniles in 2004-2005.

Do you have any hobbies outside racing?

Golf

After a great day at the races, who is the first person you call?

The Barman

Name the most interesting person you have met through racing and why?

Robert Sangster, who changed the world of racing in his time.

Where is your ideal holiday location?

Kariba

If you could buy/drive any car in the world what would it be?

One you don`t have to put fuel in!