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

How long have you been aspiring to become involved in training of horses?
I always knew I was going to work with horses for as long as I can remember.

Under whom did you learn the trade?
I worked in Sussex for 5 years doing breaking, spelling and polo before becoming self employed.

What are the qualities or attributes that someone involved in training horses needs to have in order to be successful in this game?
The ability to work hard and really understand your horses.

How many horses do you have at the moment?
100 in work

What are some of the best horses you have helped to train?
African Warrior, African Night Sky, Its My Turn, Warning Zone, Warm White Night, Afrikaburn, Hill Fifty Four, Eyes Wide Open, to name a few.

What was your most memorable day in racing?
Probably Its My Turn winning the Gold Cup after coming back from such a bad injury.

What race do you aspire to win, both locally and nationally?
As I am a pre Trainer I love to see any one of my graduates winning.

Where is your favourite racetrack?
Greyville

Have you ever felt prejudiced against in racing as a result of being a woman?
No. I have always been judged only on my ability with horses, full stop.

Do you have a favourite sire at the moment? Have any young sires impressed you?
Dynasty was a brilliant stallion. Vercingetorix is certainly looking like he’s capable of doing really really well.

What would you like to see changed in racing?
The bad admin and more transparency

Who, if anyone, has inspired you in racing?
Anne Upton, Jehan Malherbe, Dean Kannemeyer and Mike De Kock.

What advice would give a someone keen in getting involved in racing, either as a trainer or as an owner, especially females?
The harder you work the luckier you get. A cliché but true.

I have a top class string of Ready To Run Horses at the BSA sale on November 3rd.