A racehorse is supported by a team of trainers, riders, grooms, veterinary professionals, farriers and stable staff. At Spies Racing, experience and accountability run through every part of that team.
Corne and Xander Spies combine established horsemanship and bloodstock judgment with a modern approach to ownership, communication and stable management.
A second-generation trainer, multiple Grade 1 winner and National Diploma graduate in Equine Studies, Corne has led Spies Racing since 2000. He is widely respected for his ability to identify value at the sales, prepare precocious young horses and campaign runners successfully across South Africa and Zimbabwe. Within the partnership, Corne leads training strategy, horse development and bloodstock selection.
The third generation of the Spies family in racing, Xander became Corne's official training partner on 1 August 2026 after six years as an assistant trainer. An admitted attorney, multiple Grade 1-winning owner and Chairman of the Racehorse Owners Association, he combines practical stable experience with a close understanding of what owners need from their trainer. Xander leads owner communication, partnerships, administration and the stable's next phase of growth.
Tobie is the foundation of the Spies Racing story. His experience spans breeding, ownership, training, stud management and bloodstock selection, with major achievements including the 1988 Queen's Plate and two Bloodline Million victories. His traditional horsemanship and eye for a horse remain an invaluable part of the stable's knowledge base.
Dr Melandie Taljaard provides professional equine veterinary support to the stable. Her racing knowledge, clinical judgment and understanding of performance horses contribute to informed decisions on health, soundness, treatment and recovery.
Duncan May is an experienced equine farrier responsible for the hoof care that underpins soundness, balance and athletic performance. His work is coordinated with the training and veterinary teams according to each horse's individual needs.
A former champion apprentice and multiple Grade 1-winning international jockey, Francois brings exceptional race-riding knowledge to the stable. His understanding of horses in work, racing technique and the Spies system provides a valuable competitive perspective.
Johannes began working with Tobie Spies in 1985 and has decades of practical experience as a groom and licensed work rider. His long service, horsemanship and knowledge of the stable make him a trusted leader within the daily operation.
Training, veterinary care, hoof management, riding feedback and stable management work together. Decisions are made around the individual horse rather than treating each discipline in isolation.
Corne and Xander lead the programme, development decisions and race planning.
Veterinary judgment supports informed decisions around treatment, recovery and performance.
Farriery is coordinated with the training and veterinary teams around each horse's individual requirements.
Experienced horsemen and riders contribute practical feedback from daily work and the racing environment.
Owners remain connected to the people making decisions about their horse and its campaign.
Whether you are considering ownership, looking for a trainer or simply want to understand how the stable operates, start a conversation with the Spies Racing team.