As we gear up for tomorrow's 2024 King's Plate, let me take you back to a significant moment in the Spies Racing legacy. It's about a horse named Yardmaster, whose story is nothing short of extraordinary.

Back in the day, in 1988, Tobie Spies, a name that has now become synonymous with top-tier horse training, came across Yardmaster. This horse was known for being a bit of a handful, so much so that his original trainer, Jean Heming, found him too difficult to saddle and quite rough around the edges. But Tobie, seeing something special in him, decided to take a chance.

Yardmaster was then part of Tobie's training operations at the Vaal Training Yard. Despite his challenging nature, Tobie saw potential in this spirited horse and took him all the way to Cape Town for the prestigious Queen's Plate race. The odds were stacked against him at 20/1, suggesting that not many believed this underdog would make it big. But Yardmaster was about to turn the tables.

In a race that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Yardmaster, ridden by the now-legendary jockey Pierre Strydom, charged across the finish line, clinching victory in a stunning upset. This win wasn't just a first for Yardmaster; it also marked the first Queen's Plate for both Tobie Spies and Pierre Strydom in their respective careers.

But that's not all. Yardmaster's career spanned from 1986 to 1990, and during this time, he didn’t just win races; he made a lasting impression. He triumphed in the GR2 Hawaii Stakes and the GR1 FNB 1600 and even showed his mettle by placing fourth in the GR1 Durban July, one of the most prestigious races around.



As we look forward to the King's Plate tomorrow, let's remember and celebrate the legends like Yardmaster that have made this sport so thrilling. Who knows, maybe we'll witness the rise of another unexpected champion!