Shining Knight smashed the South African record to became the most expensive Thoroughbred ever sold at public auction when fetching R5.2 million on day one of the 2015 Cape Premier Yearling Sale
Consigned by Maine Chance Farms, the well-bred Dynasty colt was knocked down to Kuda Insurance for first time buyer, and prominent South African game breeder Piet Du Toit, who later added to his purchases with a R2.5 million Trippi filly and half sister to current South African sensation, Cold As Ice.
The Rustenburg based Piet Du Toit entered the Thoroughbred market with a bang on Thursday evening, after being introduced to the industry by Kuda Insurance boss Wehann Smith.
Smith said “It is very exciting news for everybody, Kuda has been heavily involved in the insurance market in both the Bloodstock and Game sectors for some time, and I always thought that there was common ground between the two industries and potential opportunities for both markets to be able to benefit from one another.”
Piet Du Toit was equally excited about his first purchase for trainer Mike Bass, who guided him through his first ever thoroughbred Sale.
Piet, who has a reputation for being fearless at auctions, climbed in upon his trainers advice that lot 48 was the pick of this high calibre sale. The record-breaking colt, named Shining Knight, lacks nothing for pedigree either. Not only is he a son of South Africa’s hottest sire, Dynasty, but he is also out of a full sister to Arlington Millions winner and former champion local sire Silvano. A half brother to stakes winner Solapur and three other winners, Shining Knight is also out of a half sister to group I winner Sabiango, and his second dam, Spirit Of Eagles, was Germany’s Broodmare Of The Year in 2001.
Piet, who was thrilled with his purchase, did however indicate his intentions to change the colts name from Shining Knight to Tsunami, after his prized West Zambian Sable who is the top breeding bull in South Africa.
The Piet Du Toit Game auction, which takes place on 13 February is the highlight of the rare game species auction calendar in South Africa, and will take place just outside Rustenburg in a few weeks time.
Piet will be selling a 25% share of Tsunami who is arguably the number 1 sable bull in South Africa and is rumoured to fetch a staggering amount. Sons and daughters of Tsunami sell on average for between three to five million rand each!
Cape Thoroughbred Sales’ fresh and innovative approach to trading bloodstock in South Africa has not gone unnoticed and they are now reaping the rewards of their global vision.
Sale averages were at an all time high of R620 619, with a Sale aggregate of R60 200 000 from the 100 lots on offer from their first day of trading, which is still terrific value for the quality of stock on offer, particularly to the foreign investor.
We wish Piet, and Mike Bass Racing all the very best success with their new thoroughbred acquisitions, and we look forward to both Tsunami’s blowing up storms in their respective industries!
www.mikebassracing.com