The horse comes first
Soundness, wellbeing and sustainable development guide every decision.
Spies Racing is a third-generation South African racing stable led by the training partnership of Corne and Xander Spies. Based at the North Rand Training Centre in Randjesfontein, the stable combines traditional horsemanship, modern management and an enduring belief that every horse deserves an individual plan.
The Spies family's racing story began with Tobie Spies, whose horsemanship was shaped from childhood and developed through decades as a breeder, owner, owner-trainer, trainer and selector. His success included Yardmaster's 1988 Queen's Plate victory and major wins with horses such as Fast Gun and Mysterious Hal.
Corne Spies took over the stable in 2000 and established a national reputation for finding value at the sales, producing high-class juveniles and travelling horses successfully. His career has included multiple Grade 1 winners, feature victories across distances and a Zimbabwean trainers' championship.
On 1 August 2026, the stable entered its next chapter when Corne and Xander Spies became official training partners. Xander brings a lifetime in the stable, six years of experience as an assistant trainer, the perspective of a multiple Grade 1-winning owner, a legal background and a strong focus on the modern ownership experience.
Racing changes constantly. The principles behind how we treat horses, plan campaigns and communicate with owners do not.
Soundness, wellbeing and sustainable development guide every decision.
Training programmes are shaped around ability, temperament, maturity and recovery.
We aim to find suitable opportunities and are prepared to travel when the right race is elsewhere.
Good news, concerns and realistic expectations should be communicated directly and promptly.
Price does not define potential. Careful selection and patient development can turn a sensible purchase into a serious racehorse.
Spies Racing operates from Stable Block 5A at the North Rand Training Centre, Randjesfontein, Gauteng.
The location provides access to established training tracks and facilities within reach of the Highveld's major racecourses, while the stable's travelling experience allows horses to be campaigned nationally when suitable opportunities arise.
Tobie Spies begins breeding thoroughbreds as a serious pursuit.
Tobie receives an owner-trainer's licence.
Yardmaster wins the Queen's Plate.
Corne takes over the stable.
Corne wins the Zimbabwean trainers' title.
A modern run of Grade 1 success through Van Halen, Singforafa, William Robertson and Hazy Dazy.
Corne and Xander commence their official training partnership.
There is no single programme that suits every thoroughbred. Our training decisions are built around the horse's stage of development, physical condition, temperament, recovery and racing profile.
We evaluate conformation, movement, temperament, current fitness and any veterinary considerations before setting the programme.
Work is increased according to the horse's response. Young horses are taught their job without rushing the foundations they need for a durable career.
We identify races that suit the horse's distance, class, surface and development. Travel is considered when another centre offers the right opportunity.
Every run provides information. We assess performance, recovery and rider feedback before confirming the next step.
Owners receive clear feedback on progress, setbacks and plans, with realistic expectations throughout.
Meet the trainers, see the horses and get a clearer understanding of how the stable works. Stable visits are available by arrangement.