Brett Crawford, one of South Africa’s top trainers with a career spanning over two decades, is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in Hong Kong.
With an impressive record of 38 Group One wins and nearly 1500 career victories, Crawford has established himself as a prominent figure in South African racing. His transition to Hong Kong’s competitive training scene has been hailed as “the opportunity of a lifetime,” a sentiment echoed by both local and international observers.
At 53, Crawford has experienced an eventful career, beginning as a young rider and later training under renowned mentors such as Mike de Kock and Dennis Drier.
His own training career took off in 2001, and his most successful season came in 2017/18, with six Group One victories, cementing his reputation.
Crawford, reflecting on his journey, noted, “To be given the chance to work in Hong Kong is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I’ll be doing everything I can to make the most of it.”
In Hong Kong, Crawford is entering a high-stakes environment, where his skills will be tested in one of the world’s most competitive racing jurisdictions.
“I’ve always wanted to come to Hong Kong, and when the opportunity presented itself, I knew I had to take it,” Crawford said.
“It’s a fantastic racing environment, and I’m excited to get started.”
Crawford’s achievements in South Africa have been marked by his steady climb up the trainers’ premiership rankings, and his work alongside his son, James, in the 2023/24 season demonstrated his dedication and family-driven commitment to racing excellence.
“Having James by my side as we look toward the future makes the journey even more rewarding,” Crawford said.
