Cape trainer Piet Botha is determined to make the racehorse ownership experience rewarding, fun and as affordable as reasonably possible again.
After four seasons of training winners and reaching the milestone of saddling his first Met runner, the former jockey has moved into his new stables at Milnerton and is geared for growth.
Piet Botha – looking to make racing fun and affordable again (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Piet and his wife Nicole have made great strides since bravely taking the plunge with just nine horses out of the Dare To Dream Stable’s Barn 9 at Milnerton in August 2018. They recently moved into their new accommodation and have been upgrading and refurbishing, while introducing innovative concepts.
One of those is having the flags of their owner’s silks proudly blowing on flag-poles at the entrance.
“We shouldn’t be hiding ourselves away. This is a great sport. Let’s open ourselves up to the eyes of the world and get folk wondering what it’s all about. We have had casual visitors, who are astonished when they see the beautiful horses and the hive of activity behind the walls. Why are we not having open days and bragging?” Piet says animatedly as he shows the Sporting Post team around his neatly painted offices and yard.
An eternal optimist, Piet refuses to be distracted or clouded by negativity and says that horseracing has plenty to offer a broad spectrum of owners– and he is determined to offer the ultimate experience for as wide a range of pockets as possible.
“We need to stop blaming covid and the past and to rather focus on bringing the fun and participation aspect back. Our team have been in our new yard just two months now and our doors are always open. Whether it’s for a coffee, a braai on Friday afternoon, or a breakfast on the skottel on Saturday, all of our owners are encouraged to visit – to enjoy their horses with family and friends. We have nothing to hide and plenty to be proud of – and owners need to feel that they are getting more than an account and a hard-luck story every month. After all, we are marketing a lifestyle,” he adds.
William’s Legacy – colt by William Longsword X Blakes Mistress – affordable shares available now
With the assistance of owner Gary van den Berg, Piet purchased nine yearlings at the recent De Grendel Cape Premier Yearling Sale and the Cape Yearling Sale.
“I have always operated on a relative shoe-string budget at sales and am often the enthusiastic underbidder, as a result of competing against the bigger cheque-books. That’s not a bad thing necessarily, but for the first time, thanks to Gary’s involvement, I have been able to buy the horses that I earmarked and really wanted. I am excited about the nine youngsters and am offering prospective owners the chance to get involved in a package that suits their budget. So whether it’s 10%, 20% or more, in one or more of the nine, the owner decides the spend. And everybody gets treated the same – our doors are open so come and enjoy the experience – and let’s aim at the richly endowed sales races!” he adds enthusiastically.
Piet says that some of those yearlings available are unnamed, and it can also be a lot of fun debating and creating a great name.
All nine horses are based at Millstream Farm until June and will then start coming into the yard. The late foals may only come in during August or September, as and when they show that they are ready.
All horses purchased at the BSA Sales qualify for the R100 000 juvenile win bonus and the R500 000 BSA Cape Sales Race. The CTS sales also have their own sales races.
Have a look at the individuals – click on the image below and see pages 46-57 of the 16 March edition of the Sprint!
Piet’s Catalogue Notes for the nine yearlings:
Avignon – colt by Master Of My Fate X Var Countess: 10% Cost – R28 900 (90% available)
- Beautiful well developed colt
- Still leggy, great walk, good shoulder and hindquarters.
- Athletic type and good candidate for the BSA sales race
Unnamed – filly by Visionaire X Winter’s Eve: 10% Cost – R12 700 (75% available)
- Got some to grow still
- Strong well balanced filly
- Won’t take long to come to hand
- Will win at 2
Unnamed – filly by Global View X Women’s Rights: 10% Cost – R10 700 (50% available)
- Good looking strong filly
- Good long hindquarters
- Nice length
- Will win at 2
William’s Legacy – colt by William Longsword X Blakes Mistress: 10% Cost – R11 800 (50% available)
- Big strong horse
- Big feet
- Going to need a little time
- Good winter horse
- Late 2 year old
Big Fella – colt by William Longsword X Hot Affair: 10% Cost – R22 200 (50% available)
- Beautiful strong athletic horse
- Light on his feet
- Not your typical William
- Could be anything with a little time
- Late 2 year old
Flash Lightning – colt by Visionaire X Flichity: 10% Cost – R13 000 (50% available)
- Big strong boy
- Good Girth
- Good length
- Good walk
- Will win a sprint at 2 and go further after
De Janeiro- filly by Oratorio X Hope Downs: 15% – R28 200 (15% available)
- Beautiful well developed filly
- Good girth
- Good walk
- Middle 2 year old
Fujisan – colt by Erupt X Kilcross: 10% Cost – R10 000 (20% available)
- Very nice horse
- Strong shoulders and well balanced
- Good walk
- Nice head
- Could be a candidate for the CTS Gold Rush race
Unnamed – filly by Royal Mo X Sukiwarrior: 10% Cost – R13 000 (25% available)
- Very nice strong filly
- Well developed
- Looks to have a long low stride
- Good girth
- Like a lot
Further information is available – please click here
Or contact Piet Botha on +27 073 122 4874 / email [email protected]
