SA Horseracing recently took time out to find out more about Michelle Rix , as part of a series on prominent women in the horse racing industry.

Michelle has recently registered in a training partnership with Harold Crawford her father.

What are the advantages of growing up in a family that’s involved in horse racing?
You start learning about horses from the get go as well as the dynamics of the industry

How long have you been aspiring to become a trainer.?
I can’t ever remember wanting do anything else but train, its been a life long ambition

Under whom did you learn the trade?
I worked under trainer Andrè Heyns for 4 years who had achieved a good amount of Graded race success in his training career and for the past 11 years with my Father, Harold. Having spent last season in Durban Dennis Bosch taught me a great deal about corrective shoeing.

What are the qualities or attributes that a trainer needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
Well, the horse always comes first so that would be paramount and secondly good people skills and the ability to market your brand.
Having the thick skin would probably be an added benefit (laughs).

How many horses do you have at the moment?
Just under 40 and hopefully climbing

What are some of the best horses you have helped to train?
Our darling Perovskia who is now in training in Mauritius

What was your most memorable day in racing?
Perovskia winning the Grade 2 Drill Hall Stakes last season in KZN

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
Well having just started there is a very long list, but locally the Queen’s Plate as it is just gracious and elegant race to win and nationally, would of course a long with many others the Vodacom Durban July.

Where is your favourite racetrack?
For only the purpose of the track it would be Kenilworth, but in terms of the crowd, Greyville has a great atmosphere with the punters.

Have you ever felt prejudiced against in racing as a result of being a woman?
Probably a bit because of my age, but never of being a woman.

Do you have a favourite sire at the moment? Have any young sires impressed you?
Ideal World is a standout stallion for me and a young stallion that has come out with a bang is Vercingetorix.
I also think a Stallion like Noble Tune has more to offer especially now that he has moved to the Cape.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
Transparency

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
As a young child listening to Peter Kannemeyer - he always had very wise words of wisdom and of course my father who is still here with having to contend with having a pretty small string.

What advice would give a someone keen in getting involved in racing, either as a trainer or as an owner, especially females?
Follow your passion and surround yourself with good people who will guide you correctly.
As a woman, learn to stand up for yourself as sometimes it can be challenging in a male dominated industry.