Syd still holds the record for the most Durban July wins, 7 his famous victory was with Sea Cottage in dead-heated race with Jollify and his final win came in 1978 with politician.

Syd Laird was a legendary South African horse racing trainer, renowned for holding the record of seven Durban July wins. A member of the South African Hall of Fame, his career was highlighted by the famous 1967 victory with Sea Cottage.

His final and record-breaking seventh win came with the legendary Politician in 1978.  This victory earned him the nickname “Seven-Up Syd” in the racing press.

Syd Laird was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame in January 2019.