Farewell Iron Lady – the English Rose who ruled the Highveld

By Alec Hogg

My entry into publishing had its roots in the restraint of trade imposed by our biggest client. It forced my co-operative of freelancer journalists to branch outside our core area of financial journalism. Leading to the unlikely creation, in 1988, of South Africa's first horse racing newspaper. Although not a financial success, Racing Digest provided many benefits for this journo-turned-entrepreneur. Mostly, hard learnt lessons about business.

Among them was the understanding of hardships that stem from not being adequately capitalised. And appreciating how cash really is king – that advertisers are just names on your books until they actually pay. It also opened my eyes to the near impossible task new entrants face when trying to break into marketplaces sewn up by cosy oligopolies.

But Racing Digest's greatest gift was the entrée it provided into the passionate family who devote their lives to the thoroughbred. Today I mourn with this tight group after news that one of its icons, former champion trainer Jean Heming (78), passed away over the weekend. The beautifully eloquent and hugely gifted Mrs Heming cracked open a male-dominated industry the hard way. Through talent and sheer effort.

https://twitter.com/NHASouthAfrica/status/1053625220400058368

Her lead paved the way for other successful women racehorse trainers. But this pioneering brought a heavy price. Envious competitors made baseless claims of doping or worse. Doubtless this whispering campaign played a role in the 1993 attack, at her stable yard, when she was shot three times, forcing her into a premature retirement. One day, when misogyny is finally thrown into the dumpster of history, Mrs H will be remembered for what she really was: simply the best. RIP Mrs H.