Sales topper at R2million. Lot 157: Die Kat (AUS) (Tale Of The Cat x America’s Idol) (C)
EMPERORS PALACE
READY TO RUN SALE
TBA Sales Complex, Germiston
2nd, 4th November 2012
The 2012 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale proved a tremendous success with the aggregate jumping from R30,835million in 2011 to a record R38,840million this year.
The average price also rose considerably from R177,213 to R229,822, which was extremely pleasing considering the current fragile economic situation. Vendor buy backs, a system implemented earlier this year, accounted for 11 lots, with just 10 lots failing to find buyers.
The top price paid for a horse rose from R1.5million in 2011 to R2million a year later and no fewer than six lots went for R1million plus.
The sales topper came in the form of lot 157, a colt by leading US sire Tale Of The Cat. Consigned by Summerhill Stud, the colt named Die Kat, was knocked down to Adriaan van Vuuren. The bay colt, from the family of champion Dancing Brave, attracted plenty of attention at the Ready To Run gallops last month, and confirmed his popularity in the sales ring. His R2million price tag was the highest achieved at a Ready To Run Sale since 2009.
Adriaan van Vuuren also purchased the sale’s top priced filly, lot 47, a daughter of the late, great sire, Jet Master. An own sister to the top-class performers Lizarre and Lake Arthur, the filly was knocked down for R1.5million. Given the moniker of Mystical Star, the bay miss was consigned by Summerhill – as Property of a Gentleman.
Summerhill Stud’s Mick Goss was thrilled by the sale’s remarkable success, commenting “The figures of this sale (aggregate up 26%) speak for themselves. This is a wonderful tribute to the courage of South Africans, in the current gloomy times. Racing at least provides an escape from all the negative news, and brings hope to those who love the game.”
The TBA’s Jan Naude was equally pleased by the results of the sale, saying, “This was a phenomenal sale. The aggregate was up 26%, and the average 30%! Well done to all involved for this sale.”
