Born in Zimbabwe 55 years ago, Paul’s family wasn’t directly involved in racing. “My late father, Eddie Matchett, was a farrier in the police force, and used to drag me to stables at the depot when I was a boy. He knew people like the Stipes, Malcolm Marsh and Mike Jones, who both ended up coming to South Africa as well. While still at school, Paul had his first job in racing as a starting stall handler.

Matchett’s recent success includes winning the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara with War Of Athena. The superstar mare won eleven races under the care of Paul Matchett.