Diversity cynics should look to South Africa if they still don't see its value

I recently had the pleasure of travelling to Johannesburg to assess the state of the South African racing industry, which is undergoing something of a resurgence after an extremely difficult period threatened the sport's very existence.

After a period of growth, racing in the country was dealt several blows in recent years, including severe restrictions on exports that have suffocated the bloodstock industry, violent groom strikes and the demise of its largest operator, Phumelela, during the pandemic.

Thankfully, the ship has been righted, but the big challenge now is to restore South Africa's position as a major racing power and it was instructive to see the early steps taken by 4Racing, a new body that has taken over from Phumelela.