Unprecedented interest and prevailing positivity from breeders saw the sale of shares for the syndication of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July winner Oriental Charm for the balance of his racing career and for stud snapped up in less than 24 hours when offered on Monday morning.
“It is quite staggering! Despite a reduced mare population and two stallions being marketed simultaneously, there is still a lot of bullishness amongst the breeders. Perhaps it’s also a reflection of the recent successful sale, coupled with him being a son of Vercingetorix and an opportunity to own a ready-made Hollywoodbets July runner,” a delighted Jonathan Snaith told the Sporting Post on Monday evening when making the announcement.
In a spirit of enthusiasm and shared opportunity, owners Greg Bortz and Gina Goldsmith invited breeders and friends to embark on an exhilarating journey with them and their remarkable racehorse.
A son of the Equus outstanding sire, Vercingetorix, this season’s leading sire with 51 stakes winners at 11.8% and thirteen black-type wins, his dam Souk is by champion 3-year-old and Durban July winner Grey’s Inn. She was a speedy three-time winner and listed-placed over 1400m. Oriental Charm hails from the family of Danehill, Northern Dancer and Halo, one of the most successful sire-producing families in the international studbook.
Oriental Charm had the speed to win first time out over 1250m and the class to stay 2200m, attributes so desirable to South African Breeders.
The current owners have committed to funding his remaining racing career until he retires to stud at the end of July, following three races: the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge Gr1, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Gr1, and the HKJC Champions Cup Gr1, with a combined gross stake of R8 million. The new shareholders may thus benefit from a risk-free chance to recover a significant portion of their initial investment.
When retiring from racing, Oriental Charm will stand at leading breeders Drakenstein Stud Farm and will be managed by Jonathan Snaith.
