Markus Racing

A passion is born.

Basil Marcus, internationally acclaimed champion jockey turned trainer leads Marcus Racing into the next era. 2010 sees Basil once again returning to Asia to fly the South African flag.

Basil Marcus has earned himself the respect of some of the keenest horse racing fanatics throughout his illustrious career. Described by leading Asian and South African horse racing press as an iron-willed, ruthlessly hardworking, self-confessed perfectionist with a competitive heart, tireless work ethic and the Midas touch, Basil Marcus champion jockey turned trainer now enjoys a sterling reputation which has been hard won throughout his 39 year career.
Basil's career began when he joined the South African Jockey Academy where he learned the single minded discipline that would contribute considerably to his remarkable career success. The South African Ace attributes much of his subsequent accomplishments to his 'solid grounding' by the SA Jockey Academy.
As an apprentice jockey in Cape Town Basil joined the well know stable of Theo  De Klerk and had his first taste of success, becoming champion jockey including riding six winners in a single race day. During this time Basil set a new record by becoming the first apprentice to ride 100 winners in a season.
In Durban he joined the legendary Herman Brown senior and bettered his personal best by riding seven winners in a single race day at Greyville. In this era he partnered equine champions such as Fovoros and Model Man.
During that time, he met and married his wife Debbie and became proud father to two sons, Glenn and Adam. Given the demands of a packed racing week; Saturday and Wednesday in Durban, Tuesday and Thursday in Johannesburg and Sundays in his native Zimbabwe, Basil determinedly dedicated his remaining two days entirely to his family. Basil and Debbie instilled a sense of family amid the pressure of the horse racing schedule and the children came to completely understand and accept the nature of a professional sportsman's commitments. Observing Basil's sheer devotion and desire to be the best in his class firmly established their respect for horse racing from an early age and their own passion for their father's sport was born. 

Achieving his Springbok colours, becoming a Springbok Jockey's captain was another landmark and at this time Basil found himself setting his sights on an international career.