The diversity and strength across the Cape racing landscape can be seen when browsing the catalogue for the 2025 Cape Racing Sales Premier Yearling Sale, which is being held over two days at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March, starting at 4pm.
There are 245 Lots which are due to come under the hammer, with Gimmethegreenlight and Vercingetorix perhaps understandably the most represented stallions, with 26 and 25 of their yearlings catalogued, respectively, while Rafeef (17), Erik The Red (16), Elusive Fort (15) and Malmoos also feature prominently.
The timing of this Sale came about partly as a result of dialogue between Cape Racing and the Hong Kong Jockey Club as well as other international buyers, and the date is placed between the two Inglis sales held in Melbourne and in Sydney towards the beginning of March and April, respectively.
This gives Asian-based buyers the opportunity to make all three sales.
However, taking place in the middle of March is also the perfect opportunity for Cape Racing Sales to strut its stuff.
Your Q&A Guide:
Where and when is the sale being held?
The 2025 Cape Racing Sales Premier Yearling Sale will be held at Hollywodbets Kenilworth on Thursday 13th March and Friday 14th March, both sessions starting at 4pm. The catalogue – available online https://www.caperacingsales.co.za/sale/2025-pys/ and hard copies are available. Contact Vicky Minott for a catalogue [email protected]
Can horses be viewed before the Sale?
Yes. Viewing is available from Monday 10 March until Wednesday 12 March, daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Viewing is also possible on Sales days from 8 am until 2 pm.
Can I arrive on the day(s) of the sale and bid for a yearling?
To purchase a yearling from the Cape Racing Sales Premier Yearling Sale you’ll need to apply for a buyer’s card, which is possible via the Cape Racing Sale website.
How do I get a buyer’s card?
Apply online through caperacingsales.co.za and follow the prompts. The process involves creating a profile and agreeing to the Conditions of Sale. If you have a profile, you’ll need to log on and agree to the Conditions of Sale to activate your buyers card for the Premier Yearling Sale. If you are experiencing any issue, contact Vicky Minott [email protected]
If I have a successful bid, how do I choose a trainer?
Things to consider are: Where do you live? Do you want to see your horse at the stables or on race day. If yes, start with trainers in the province where you live. Owners in the Cape can contact the Cape Turf Club for assistance, Tammy Gilmour will be available during the sale and available via [email protected]
How important are regular updates?
Ask a Cape Racing Sales person to introduce you to a few trainers at the Sale and get a feel for them and ask questions.
The biggest suggestion is to ask people and use your initiative.
Do I have to be there in person, or can I bid online?
The 2025 Cape Racing Sales Premier Yearling Sale has a remote bidding facility available. Please register for the remote bidding facility by selecting the option when applying for your buyers card online. A link to the remote bidding facility will be send by the Cape Racing Sales finance team ahead of the Premier Yearling Sale.
Is there a minimum reserve price attached to the Yearlings catalogued?
There is a minimum bid which the auctioneers announce at the beginning of the Sale, the minimum bid on Day 1 is R50 000 and adjusted to R25 000 on Day 2. The Vendors are permitted to submit reserve prices on their drafts, and if a horse doesn’t meet reserve, it will go through the sales ring unsold. Buyers are encouraged to engage with vendors/breeders should you wish to make an offer thereafter.
I’ve heard people talk about pin-hooking. What is this?
Pin-hooking is an expression to describe the practice of buying a horse at one stage of their development (in this case a yearling) and then selling that horse at a later stage. An example of this is the brilliant One Stripe, who was pin-hooked for R100,000 and later sold as an unraced two-year-old for R1.4-million. He has subsequently gone on to win both the Grade 1 Hollywoodbets Cape Guineas and L’Ormarins King’s Plate. The Pinhooking incentive scheme is available for Day 2 purchases only and should you wish to participate in it, send your request to Justin Vermaak justin@caperacing.co.za
What are the chances of success if I buy into a Syndicate?
Being part of a Syndicate will create new friendships and you’ll have a lot of fun along the way. There are currently 17 verified Cape Turf Club syndicates. More syndicate information is available on the Cape Racing website: https://caperacing.co.za/cape-turf-club/
The Social Squad will be looking to invest at the Premier Yearling Sale and will be available during the sale to discuss your interest.
How much will it cost me to enter a syndicate?
That would depend on the purchase price of the horse and the percentage stake you would have. Some syndicates offer from 1%. The Syndicates will post adverts outlining the costs involved and you can communicate directly with the syndicators for more information. These adverts are typically posted on the syndicate’s social media pages. Find them here: https://caperacing.co.za/cape-turf-club/
What added incentives are there to be gained from buying at this sale?
Graduates of the 2025 Premier Yearling Sale qualify for the following incentives: the 2026 R3m CRS Slipper (2yo) 1200m, the 2027 R1m CRS Mile (3yo) 1600m, the 2027 R1m CRS Sprint (3yo) 1200m, as well as a R100,000 CRS Juvenile Stakes bonus (R75,000 owner and R25,000 vendor) and the CRS Big Cap.
If I need further information who can I contact?
Justin Vermaak [email protected]
Vicky Minott [email protected]
or simply call us on 021 700 1600
How can I follow on social media?
Facebook: @caperacingsales
Instagram: @caperacingsales
Twitter: @CapeRacingSales
Website: www.caperacingsales.co.za
