Capetown Noir seen winning the Investec Derby
In a shock announcement on Thursday, Equus Champion miler Capetown Noir has been retired and is expected to stand at a stud in the Western Cape.
Trainer Dean Kannemeyer said that a recurrence of an injury from the 2014 KZN Champions Season had led to a decision by his owners Khaya Stables to immediately retire the valuable horse.
The champion colt was destined for an overseas campaign, but plans were aborted after his injury.
Dean Kannemeyer – disappointed but says he will make a top stallion
“He ran a nice race in the Merchants recently and I had intended to aim him at the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate double. But the injury sadly flared up again and after consultation with our Veterinary team and Jehan Malherbe, his owners have decided to do what is best for the horse and retire him. I support the decision fully and he should make for an outstanding stallion. He is a superbly bred good looking horse, a magnificent mover with character and a terrific temperament. He has got to go down as the best miler I have trained. I am looking forward to seeing him go on and make his mark at stud,” he said.
Capetown Noir has everything required to make it to the top in the breeding paddocks.
He was bred by Lammerskraal Stud and is by the ill-fated multiple champion sire Western Winter out of Equus champion broodmare, Akinfeet, a daughter of champion broodmare sire, Fort Wood.
Jehan Malherbe – looking at stud options
Capetown Noir was purchased for Khaya Stables by Dean Kannemeyer and Form Bloodstock’s Jehan Malherbe for R1 million on the National Yearling Sale.
He won eight races from 1200m to 2000m and was at his brilliant best at a mile.
Capetown Noir’s victories included the unique Gr1 Cape Guineas and Gr1 Cape Derby double, SA’s premier WFA Mile, the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate as well as the Gr3 Byerley Turk and Gr3 Matchem Stakes.
No decision has yet been made as to where he will stand but he is bound to prove an invaluable addition to the local stallion ranks.
www.dkannemeyerracing.com
