BENNET BULANA HAS HIS FIRST WINNER

4 April 2005
Another chapter in the transformation of South African racing was written at Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday when jockey Robbie Hill steered Royal Bouquet into the winner’s enclosure for Bennet Bulana, the first black trainer to benefit from Gold Circle’s empowerment initiatives.

The National Emblem filly is owned by the Gold Circle Transformation Fund, which has played a major role in helping Bennet establish himself at the Summerveld training establishment near Durban.

Bennet continues to hold the post of manager and riding master at the Stable Employees Training School at Summerveld. He was granted a full trainer’s licence last year and set up his yard at Summerveld with the assistance and support of Gold Circle and several leading owners.

On Sunday, his life-long dream came true as he led in his first winner after having had a number of placings.

Bennet said he was “absolutely delighted” and praised all those who had supported and encouraged him. He praised jockey Robbie Hill for a great ride on the filly. He was confident that victory would be his as some way out, when other runners challenged, his filly was striding well and won convincingly.

He said he was extremely proud, not just for himself, his staff and his family, but for his owners who had placed their faith in him.

“I have shown them that they have not wasted their money in buying horses for me to train and giving me a chance. I have shown that I can do it.”

He was also full of praise for other trainers at Summerveld who had supported, helped and encouraged him. “They have been wonderful, they kept encouraging me saying I will get a winner. Every one has treated me well.”

Bennet said he was extremely grateful for the support he had received from Gold Circle's Board of Directors.

“I really want to thank Robbie Hill for giving me my first winner. He has won big races all round the country including the Vodacom Durban July, but he has taken his place in history with this win and will be remembered by everyone for it.”

Trainer Bennet Bulana leading in his first winner, Royal Bouquet after jockey Robbie Hill brought the filly home to win comfortably at Scottsville on Sunday.

Director of Gold Circle, Pius Mbuyisa (left), and trainer Bennet Bulana lead in Royal Bouquet and jockey Robbie Hill after Bennet’s first win.