The 2025 Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale, held at the TBA Complex at Gosforth Park on Thursday and Friday, once again proved why it remains South Africa’s premier bloodstock auction.
Despite a decrease in the horse population and the sale of just 305 lots – 39 fewer than last year – the sale rose to expectations, achieving an impressive aggregate of R171,975,000 and an exceptional average of R563,852 per lot sold.
This remarkable result underscored the National Sale’s ongoing ability to attract serious investment, even in the face of a smaller offering.
With 43 yearlings fetching over R1 million, the sale showed the depth of quality and demand.
The sale got off to a flyer when lot 1 sold for R3,25 million (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
From the very first lot, which fetched R3,25 million, to the second-last lot at R1,1 million, the spread of million-rand sales from top to bottom, across two days, highlighted its continued strength and broad appeal.
Quality yearlings attracted serious interest at every level, offering opportunities for buyers across the spectrum, from high-end investors to value-seekers with an eye on the budget. Only 11 lots passed through the ring, unsold.
Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock SA, said that the Sale lived up to its reputation as South Africa’s most accessible marketplace for first-time owners and seasoned investors.
BSA CEO Michael Holmes (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
He commented: “We are very pleased with the figures recorded, not just for the big-ticket yearlings, but for the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie that this sale continues to foster across the breeding and racing industries.
“Beyond the numbers, the National Yearling Sale is a true celebration of tradition and unity, where rivals become friends and buyers of all levels gather together for their common love of the horse. The sheer volume of million-rand sales speaks not just to the quality on offer, but to the enduring faith of buyers in this historic auction.”
There was a healthy mix of familiar faces and fresh interest, supported by a solid international bench.
Lots were knocked down to buyers from the UK, Hong Kong, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius.
The atmosphere throughout was vibrant and energetic and Holmes said: “We were packed to the rafters most of the time. We served more than 400 meals to clients on Day One alone. There were smiles and congratulatory pats all round – good to see, and very encouraging.”
The top buyer at the sale, for the 10th year running, was Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock.
Form bought 15 lots for a record R27,075-million at an average of R1,805,000, surpassing their previous best.
Avontuur’s smashing topseller (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The lots included the three top-sellers Lot 197 (R4,25-million, Avontuur Stud), Lot 1 (R3,25-million, Hemel N Aarde Stud) and Lot 244 (R3-million, Lammerskraal Stud).
Malherbe said: “We were able to buy most of what we shortlisted, including the top colt, a beautiful specimen by Rafeef out of a very good broodmare. Rafeef is red-hot at the moment, and we specifically targeted his progeny. We ended up securing seven, including a smart colt from Summerview Stud, one of the smaller breeders.”
Jonathan Snaith also opened his shoulders, like he’s done at the last several National Sales. The second-biggest buyer, Snaith acquired 16 yearlings at R625,000 per lot, and totalling R10-million.
Ridgemont’s Rafeef emerged as the second-most in-demand sire at the sale, with 27 lots sold for R27,125,000 – averaging R1,004,630.
He trailed only Maine Chance Farms’ prolific top-performing stallion, Vercingetorix, whose 25 yearlings amassed R35,875,000 at a standout average of R1,435,000.
On the vendors’ front, Mary Slack’s Wilgerbosdrift Stud topped the list for the third time in five years, recording a turnover of R20,075,000 from 20 yearlings at an average of R1,003,750.
In a notable resurgence, Pieter Graaff’s Lammerskraal Stud achieved a career-best second place on the vendor leaderboard, delivering a superb average of R1,556,250 – the highest among the leading farms.
Wrapping up, Holmes remarked: “The National Yearling Sale remains the cornerstone of South African thoroughbred breeding tradition. The road to the winner’s enclosure begins with a dream, and it often passes through this very ring.”
