Buoyed by some much-needed stability and direction following the generally positively received announcement of stakes and season restructuring by new Gauteng-based racing operator 4Racing on Friday, the BSA November 2yo Sale produced pleasing results at the TBA Sales Complex on Saturday.
The Hemel ‘n Aarde bred What A Winter filly – sold to Hollywood Syndicate for R800 000 (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
While year-on-year comparisons are largely hit-and-miss given the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in 2020, Saturday’s aggregate of R18 800 000, with an average of R140 299 and a median of R100 000, was encouraging. With 8 lots withdrawn, 148 lots were catalogued 135 found an owner.
The Hollywood Syndicate, under the guidance of Racing Manager Anthony Delpech and Bloodstock Consultant Sally Bruss, was the purchaser of the top lot, a magnificent What A Winter full-sister to Gr2 Camellia Stakes winner Celestial Love, who was bred and consigned by Hemel ‘N Aarde Stud.
She was knocked down to the yellow and purple flagged syndicate for R800 000.
“Lot 29 was the standout filly on the sale for us and if we only walked away with one horse, she was the one we came for,” said Anthony Delpech, who confirmed that they had also purchased lot 61, a daughter of Querari for R280 000 from Boland Stud.
Hollywood Syndicate buying team – Anthony Delpech and Sally Bruss (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
“We had a few others in mind, but bidding was keen and they went beyond our valuation benchmarks. Overall, it was another terrific team effort and I think we can be well pleased with the two fillies that we secured,” added the former Champion jockey.
The top lot is likely to be trained by former multiple SA Champion Trainer Sean Tarry, who conditions a substantial string for the Hollywood Syndicate after the Chris van Niekerk dispersal recently.
Top purchaser on aggregate was Cape-based Greg Bortz who signed for ten at an aggregate of R3,2 million. Mr Bortz is part-owner of Saturday’s gutsy Gr2 Concorde Cup winner, Pomp And Power.
The Armitage family’s Sandown Stud was the top vendor on aggregate, with ten of their eleven strong draft grossing R2 105 000 at an average of R210 500.
Top sire on aggregate was Varsfontein’s Master Of My Fate, whose 9 lots grossed R2 195 000 at an average of R243 889.
