The Oratorio weanlings on parade under steel grey skies
Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm welcomed guests to its 2015 Stallion Day with open arms on Wednesday.
Resident stallions Var and Oratorio both looked in superb shape as they paraded before a large crowd which included many of the Western Cape’s top breeders and owners.
Var looked magnificent and the son of Forest Wildcat looks in great shape and in perfect nick for the 2015 breeding season, when he is expected to cover another full book of top class broodmares.
The sire of Variety Club was followed onto parade by Oratorio, who has settled down and let down superbly since arriving in South Africa.
Stud manager Pippa Mickleburgh said that Danehill’s champion son was a very calm and sensible stallion who acknowledged Var’s number one status, and little bothered Oratorio, who, like Var, looked an absolute picture.
The stallion parade was followed by a select viewing of some of Oratorio’s first crop of South African sired weanlings (nearly yearlings). They included siblings to such high class performers as Contador, Schiffer and Varuna, and caught favourable comments from many a knowing judge.
Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh with the magnificent Miss Frankel
A special highlight of the stallion day was the appearance of Miss Frankel, the daughter of legendary champion Frankel and the farm’s champion racemare Val De Ra. The lovely chestnut filly led the Oratorios around, and Pippa was quick to describe her as a very brave filly, who lacks nothing in guts. Miss Frankel, who has her own facebook page, has already acquired something of cult status in the South African racing world, and her progress will be keenly followed by all racing fans.
After the parade, guests were treated a typical Avontuur five star lunch, where all tastes were catered for. With lunch being washed down by a selection of the farm’s famous wines, it truly was an afternoon to savour!
www.capebreeders.co.za
