The National Yearling Sale concluded on Friday with a trio of R2 million plus yearlings, but it was not enough to bolster the falling turnover figure. The aggregate was R107,010,000, a drop of 16%, while the average (R325,258) and the median (R200,000) both decreased by 9%. Top vendor was Varsfontein Stud, achieving R11,565,000 for 18 yearlings , while Form Bloodstock topped the buyer’s list, acquiring 26 yearlings for R19,195,000.  Silvano dominated the sire’s list with 16 yearlings selling for R13,735,000.  “It was a very tough sale, but considering the economic climate you would have to say it was a very fair sale. There was a large spread of buyers and the middle market was strongly supported”, commented Bloodstock SA CEO Kevin Woolard.

Sales Topper Lot 142 (Candiese Marnewick)

The salestopper was Lot 142, a Trippi filly consigned by Wilgerbosdrift Stud from the family of Ilha Da Vitoria (BRZ).  Ilha Da Vitoria is considered one of the great racing fillies and her multiple Graded victories earned her the title of Horse of the Year and Champion Older Female (middle distance) in 2008.   She has only had seven foals to date and any fillies from her or her daughters are considered gold, well that is if they actually come on the market. This year one did.

Entering the ring as Lot 142, a filly named Lara Yara out of Ilha Grande, a Listed-winning daughter of Ilha Da Vitoria, was never going to go cheap. Coming late in the sale, she managed to pack out the auditorium, as a thrilling bidding war ensued between James Bester and Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock.  With the hammer falling at R2.5 million, Malherbe may have emerged rather bloodied from the encounter, but according to him it was well worth it.

“Ilha Da Vitoria is one of the all time greats of South African racing and Trippi fillies are very, very good. She is an outstanding specimen from a great family and I couldn’t be happier that we got her”, he commented.  Mary Slack, owner of Wilgerbosdrift Stud, appeared to have mixed feelings about letting the filly go. “She is spectacularly beautiful; an outstanding filly! I am thrilled by the price though”, she added with a smile.

The top colt on the sale was Lot 389, a Dynasty (SAf) colt out of the Captain Al mare Townsend, consigned by Varsfontein Stud.  Another bidding war ensued, with Malherbe taking on John Freeman this time.  Malherbe is however a seasoned adversary and at R2.2 million the hammer fell in his favour.  “That was hard work”, Malherbe quipped, “but I am happy that I finally got him. He is a beautiful colt, with a lot of quality and you can’t go wrong with a Dynasty colt!”

By Liesl King