Danehill’s world-class son Oratorio has proven himself repeatedly as an international racehorse and Gr1 sire and came through his unlikely first SA crop test in style when his son Sacred Oration blitzed home to win the first 800m dash of the new season at Fairview on Friday.
Oratorio was a top class racehorse
Oratorio, who arrived on import from Coolmore Australia at Avontuur in February 2013, was seen to be a prize catch for South African breeding as a classic and potential July and Met winner producer – in the circumstances. all associated with him were thrilled at having his first SA crop runner arriving in an 800m!
“We are over the moon! Var’s shoes are massive ones to fill but we have been positive from day one with Oratorio. He has nothing to prove, except show the SA racing fraternity what he is capable of,” said Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh.
Oratorio’s runners have earned over $47 million internationally and they include more than 70 black type performers. The former European champion, himself a triple G1 winner, has eight individual G1 winners to his credit.
Oratorio – magnificent son of Danehill
On Friday, he repeated the first runner-first winner feat achieved by his established superstar barn-mate Var, when cruising home unchallenged under Luyola Mxothwa to win the Maiden Juvenile Plate in the silks of Greg Bortz and Braam Van Huyssteen.
Trainer Grant Paddock was impressed, saying that his charge had not shown much speed at home.
Pippa Mickleburgh – thumbs up for her new star!
“To win an 800m without being touched by the whip was good. He will be gelded and put away. He is a lovely sort,” said Paddock.
Sacred Oration was bred by Patricia Devine Investments.
He is out of the Giant’s Causeway mare, Scarlet Causeway.
Oratorio’s 24 yearlings to sell grossed a total of R10, 8 million and averaged a very healthy R432 000 at the 2016 Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 1.
Sacred Oration sold way below average at R125 000.
Oratorio has 9 lots on the 2017 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.
The catalogue is available online
There are still a few services available – email Pippa on [email protected]
