by Dave Schmidt

Celina, OH — Dave Schmidt, who works with both Ohio’s Signature Series and the County Fair Harness Racing Alliance, has now formed a way for folks in the U.S. to be able to help the new Horse Racing Association of South Africa.

Harness racing in South Africa is a new sport being established over the past several years. Recently some races have been conducted, plus South Africa has received major support from Swedish harness folks, including a new foundation to help with the establishment of the Association.

Schmidt contacted Dean Latimer, Executive Director of the South Africa Association, to see what would help. Several ideas have been discussed, including frozen semen from the U.S. being sent over to help in the process. Quality-bred Standardbreds will be the key in developing top horses for South Africa.

Schmidt said, “Pioneering harness racing in South Africa makes sense and the U.S. in my mind has the best Standardbreds in the world. Frozen semen is accepted in South Africa and this seems to make the most sense at this time. Technology can make this work for the future.”

Latimer commented on the project: “We are really excited to have received such overwhelming interest and support from the harness racing fraternity in the USA. The prospect of good quality, North American semen coming in will ensure a decent standard of competition for us in only a few years.”

Schmidt said another goal would be to get some quality Standardbreds in South Africa, including a possible stallion to stand stud. It would have to be the right fit for everyone.

Latimer stated, “Monthly training fees here are only US$550, and we are hoping to entice a few foreign owned trotters and pacers. We already have nine fillies from Sweden due to arrive in Cape Town in mid-September. Maybe some stakes-winnings in South Africa can fund a few nice safari holidays here.”

Schmidt stated that they are hoping to find some breeders in the U.S. who would be willing to donate some frozen semen to get the project started.

“This is a great chance to be a part of something special. We will be working with breeders to give them as much PR and advertsing help in exchange for helping. This would also be a great way to start out a new young stallion.”

Schmidt encourages breeders to e-mail him at: daveschmidt@bright.net for more information on the project.