An American in Cape Town

For the last few years I have been on a huge kick about people in this business always coming up with negatives. And being self-employed, I can certainly talk all day about the negatives. Great fun and exciting stories we seem to never get enough of–opening day at Del Mar, The Melbourne Cup or the great experience of racing at Royal Ascot–just to name a few.
Nothing pleases me more than to relate this story which started around the end of December when I was invited to South Africa to the Inaugural Cape Premier Yearling Sale. Boarding the plane on January 21st, I had no idea what lay ahead. Are these people amateur horse breeders in darkest Africa?! I really didn’t know what to expect. Selling yearlings in January in the Southern Hemisphere is like selling in June in the Northern Hemisphere. In other words, very early!!
From the time I was picked up at the airport in Cape Town, there was nothing amateur at all about this operation or these people. Horse men and women like me from 15 countries were embraced by knowledgeable professionals.We were treated to drivers, trips to some of the most outstanding stud farms I have ever seen, treated to lunch, wine-tastings, dinners at some fantastic restaurants, day trips and, frankly, whatever we wanted. They were there to help and promote. The hospitality was outstanding.
The opening of the sale was kicked off with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a most outstanding performance by one of South Africa’s leading singing/dancing groups. We were further treated to a production on a huge screen showing the accomplishments of some of South Africa’s great horses that have preformed at the very top level of racing all over the world.
The sale yearlings were a very well-selected group–mature, with good bone and size, and to be honest, a lot more forward than North American yearlings in summer.
The last day was a trip to Kenilworth Race Course just 20 minutes outside of Cape Town with three Group 1s and a Group 2 on the race card. I was very excited!!
The horses looked outstanding as their coats sparkled in the African sun. Everyone was dressed in style, with the attendance reported over 50,000+. There was a fantastic buzz in the air as we all bet, talked horses, and enjoyed the wonderful South African hospitality.
Thank you to all of the South African horse men and women. You not only sold me on your horses, but also on your wonderful country and your kind and gracious people.
Sincerely,
Alistair Roden
Alistair Roden Bloodstock LLC