Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) is postponing the 2021 Cape Premier Yearling Sale, due to the more stringent Covid-19 lockdown measures implemented recently, and the expectation that these may be extended this week.
The sale, scheduled for 28 January at De Grendel Estate, will be moved to a provisional new date of 14 March 2021, subject to further limiting Covid-19 laws.
Grant Knowles, Marketing and Bloodstock Director of CTS, noted: “This has taken a great deal of thought and consideration. After consultation with the majority of vendors, I believe that it will be in everyone’s best interest to postpone our sale for roughly six weeks.”
Knowles explained:
“There is a possibility that further Covid-19 restrictions will be imposed this week. This will have a direct bearing on our already restricted planning.
We anticipate further restrictions on gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, affecting capacity at the De Grendel restaurant and the sales marquee. Additionally, we have concerns about accommodating grooms from 28 individual vendors at the sales venue.
Trying times call for customised solutions, and Kevin Sommerville of Drakenstein Stud commented: “We fully support this decision in light of what has transpired recently. It is in the interest of the industry as a whole.”
John Koster of Klawervlei Stud also remarked, saying: “Sales companies always act in the best interests of vendors and buyers, and whilst this is not ideal, it is the logical thing to do.”
De Villiers Graaff of De Grendel said that he was disappointed at having to wait a few weeks longer for the event, but fully supported the decision: “It is the responsible thing to do, and we look forward to hosting the 2021 CPYS in March.”
