Avontuur’s New Boy. Oratorio arrives in 2013 to stand alongside Var.
Leading South African breeders Avontuur Stud have announced the purchase of proven Australian Danehill stallion and prolific sire of Gr1 international winners, Oratorio.
Avontuur General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh said that negotiations had been under way for some time and the deal was sealed after a recent whirlwind visit by Avontuur owner Michael Taberer to Coolmore in Australia.
Oratorio was an outstandingly versatile racehorse, winning from 1200m to 2000m. A Gr1 winning 2yo, Oratorio was also a dual Gr.1 winner of the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes at 3. This the outstanding double completed by So You Think and champion sires Sadler’s Wells as well as Giant’s Causeway.
His first two Australian crops include exciting Gr.1 winner Manawanui, Gr.1 winning 2yo Banchee and Torio’s Quest, winner of the Gr2 Queensland Guineas and Listed $1 Million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.
Although Oratorio will only be arriving in SA in January 2013, plans are already well advanced to introduce him to the market and fill his book.
Says Michael; “When I first saw him I just knew he would be perfect for us and the country as a whole! He is incredibly laid- back and a real charmer and will be an asset to Avontuur’s breeding plans as well as add to the quality pool of South African thoroughbreds.”
Oratorio will stand alongside Avontuur’s sensational Forest Wildcat stallion, Var.
