Introduction
This article celebrates the remarkable career of Donna Logan, a distinguished horse trainer who has achieved Group 1 victories in New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore. We will delve into her early life, her transition into horse racing, her significant achievements, and her reflections on the closure of Singapore racing. Logan’s experiences offer valuable insights and serve as a cautionary tale for racing jurisdictions worldwide.
From Horseback to the Racetrack
Born in Kawakawa, New Zealand, Donna Logan’s lifelong passion for horses began in her childhood. Growing up riding, she was practically inseparable from her equine companions. Her parents’ involvement in racing further fueled her fascination, and despite initial reservations from her father about the perceived harshness of stable life, Logan’s destiny was intertwined with the sport. She began her apprenticeship with Sid Edwards in Northland, honing her skills before transferring to Calvin Snell. This foundational period allowed her to gain crucial experience, eventually leading her to pursue a trainer’s license. Initially starting with a permit to train a limited number of horses, Logan’s success quickly necessitated a move to a Class A trainer’s license, marking the beginning of her professional training career.
Early Career and Riding Prowess
Logan’s journey in racing was not solely confined to training; she also had a career as a jockey. This dual role provided her with an intimate understanding of the horses she trained. She recounts an pivotal moment when, after riding her own horse to a second-place finish behind Lance O’Sullivan, she realized the financial implications of outriding herself. This experience subtly nudged her to transition fully into training, focusing on securing top jockeys to ride her horses, a strategy she has employed successfully ever since.
Notable Horses and Victories
Throughout her career, Logan has guided numerous talented horses to victory. Among her favorites is El Duce, a resilient horse who, despite a significant injury and being sold to Singapore, returned to win two Waikato Gold Cups under her training. Victory Smile, who clinched the Metropolitan in Sydney and the Wellington Gold Cup, and Rising Romance, a Group 1 Australian Oaks winner and Caulfield Cup placegetter, are other notable mentions that highlight Logan’s exceptional training abilities.
The Singapore Chapter
Logan’s career took an international turn when she decided to train in Singapore, a jurisdiction she had long admired for its prize money and racing atmosphere. Having achieved significant success in New Zealand and Australia, she sought a new challenge. The move, made seven years ago with her family’s support, proved fruitful, with Logan achieving highlights such as winning the million-dollar Group 1 Kranji Mile. However, her time in Singapore was overshadowed by the eventual announcement of racing’s cessation in October 2024.
Reflections on Singapore Racing’s Demise
The closure of racing in Singapore has had profound consequences, impacting thousands of livelihoods and leaving a significant void in the industry. Logan expressed her disappointment, noting that by the time she arrived in 2017, the sport’s appeal had begun to wane. She attributes this decline to a lack of effective promotion, the inability to engage younger generations due to advertising restrictions and age limits at racecourses, and a general loss of passion among government officials. The immense land value of Kranji Racecourse, she believes, ultimately superseded the continuation of racing.
Logan’s experiences serve as a stark warning to other racing jurisdictions globally. She emphasizes the critical need to keep racing heroes—both human and equine—in the public eye to maintain public interest and attract younger participants. The current atmosphere in Singapore, she describes, is one of gloom and uncertainty for those involved.
Future Endeavors
With the Singapore racing scene drawing to a close, Donna Logan is set to return to her native New Zealand, establishing her training base in Auckland. This decision is driven by a desire to be closer to her support network and to leverage the improving industry conditions in New Zealand. While she acknowledges the difficulty of leaving behind the state-of-the-art facilities in Singapore, she remains pragmatic, viewing the relocation as another challenge to embrace. Her strategic positioning near Auckland Airport will facilitate continued participation in Australian racing, albeit with a focus on minimizing travel for her horses.
Life and Career Advice
Reflecting on her extensive career, Logan imparts valuable advice: embrace challenges, remain honest and upfront, and treat others with respect. She advocates for a forward-thinking approach, encouraging individuals to learn from their experiences and move on to the next opportunity. Her personal philosophy emphasizes accountability, stating, “I haven’t done anybody any harm,” a principle that has guided her interactions and earned her respect within the industry. Logan’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of those dedicated to the world of horse racing.
