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Personal Views

Racehorses, Networking & Inspiration

Personal views, not investment advice – see the full disclaimer below.

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On Sunday, 21 September 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the Range Rover Jockey Club Race Day in Dielsdorf 🐎☀️. It was a day full of excitement, tradition, and great company.

From Polo to Racehorses

Some time ago, I shared a post about which sports might suit private bankers best. Alexandra Weck suggested polo – elegant, dynamic, and full of style. After this weekend, I am convinced: racehorses also belong on that list, not as a jockey, of course, but as part of the unique atmosphere and culture around racing.

Parallels with Independent Wealth Management

I see strong similarities with Independent Wealth Management. It is about independence, clear decisions, and a long-term view. Racing follows the same logic. Strategy comes first. Then comes teamwork between the jockey and the horse. Finally, everything depends on performance – under conditions no one can fully predict.

Tradition and Leadership

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff, Co-President of the Rennverein Zürich / Zurich Horse Racing Association. His passion and commitment make this event possible and preserve a unique piece of Swiss tradition. His work shows how horse racing builds bridges between sport, society, and business.

Lessons from the Racecourse

The racecourse reminded me of key ideas explored in Freedom, Discipline & Independence and 22 Years Independent. Both celebrate focus, perseverance, and clarity of purpose. Like successful investors, winning jockeys combine preparation with instinct and courage.

Balancing Risk and Control

Thinking about risk and control also connects to Explaining Wealth Risk. Decisions in racing, as in finance, must be made swiftly but with structure. True independence in both fields means confidence in one’s strategy, even during volatility.

Teamwork and Trust

The teamwork in racing mirrors what Beyond Number: Private Bankers describes. Private banking at its best is about partnership, trust, and shared ambition. It is not just about performance – it is about relationships built on precision and mutual understanding.

Presence and Reputation

The day in Dielsdorf also echoed insights from Brand Awareness of Swiss Wealth Managers. Presence, reputation, and connection shape excellence in both sport and finance. They are how lasting success is recognised and sustained.

The Spirit of Refinement

The spirit of the event – refined, confident, and rooted in tradition – reminded me of Wine & Wealth: European Opportunity. Both worlds celebrate heritage, patience, and the pursuit of lasting value. These qualities define excellence, whether in the cellar or on the track.

A Day of Inspiration

All in all, it was a Sunday that impressed not only on a sporting level but also offered inspiration – for wealth management, for mindset, and for clear goals.

Racehorses? For me, definitely a statement – suitable for finance professionals and beyond. 🏆

Source: LinkedIn

Another lesson drawn from an unexpected place: seven fire types and one lesson on balance.

Lessons come from unexpected teachers — even from Samichlaus.

Source: https://vapa.ch/racehorses-networking-inspiration/ · vapa.ch

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VAPA Editorial Team
The VAPA editorial team has hands-on experience in Swiss independent wealth management and private banking. We write about clients, custodian banks, regulation and careers – practical, independent and free of product sales. More about us and our editorial principles: about the editorial team.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the vapa Swiss independent wealth management blog are our own and do not reflect those of any institutions or organisations with which we are affiliated. We work in Swiss independent wealth management and private banking, so we write about this industry as participants in it, not as neutral observers. These posts are intended to share personal insights and should not be interpreted as official statements or as investment advice. See the legal notice for details.

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