Ridgemont stallions, established star Rafeef and newcomer Malmoos, emerged with sparkling credit as the curtain came down last Friday on the 2025 BSA National Yearling Sale in Johannesburg.
Rafeef’s salestopper October Rush – magnificent and athletic specimen sold for R4,25 million (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Rafeef had 27 yearlings sell for an aggregate of R27 125 000, at an average of R1 004 630, including producing the sales standout topseller, a magnificent Avontuur-bred colt named October Rush, who was purchased by Form Bloodstock for R4,25 million.
Labelled by observers as a colt with a stallion’s pedigree, October Rush, who is bred on the potent Rafeef/Var cross, is a half-brother to six winners.
Two other Rafeef colts, Waiting Game (# 136) and Haute Couture (# 141), made R2 200 000 and R2 100 000 respectively on a sizzling opening day.
Rafeef had four yearlings make R1 000 000 plus on Thursday. The son of Redoute’s Choice ended the first session having 16 lots sell for an aggregate of R16.05 million.
The top buyer at the sale, for the 10th year running, was Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock. Form bought 15 lots for a record R27,075-million at an average of R1,805,000, surpassing their previous best. The lots included the Rafeef R4,25 million topseller, Lot 197.
Malherbe endorsed the Rafeef fever that swept the ring: “We were able to buy most of what we shortlisted, including the top colt, a beautiful specimen by Rafeef out of a very good broodmare. Rafeef is red-hot at the moment, and we specifically targeted his progeny. We ended up securing seven of the top sire’s progeny, including a smart colt from Summerview Stud, one of the smaller breeders.”
South Africa’s Leading First Season Sire of 2020-2021, Rafeef is enjoying an outstanding season this year with his flagbearers including graded stakes winners Chasing Happiness, Mon Petit Cherie, Outlaw King and Gr1 TAB Computaform Sprint winner William Robertson. His three-timer at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Monday, was also impressive!
This week’s BSA National Yearling Sale also marked a first appearance in the historic arena for nineteen of the offspring of Malmoos, one of the most exciting equine athletes of his generation, and only the fourth horse in history to win the South African Triple Crown.
Ridgemont’s Craig Kieswetter – pleased with their sires (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
And Malmoos didn’t disappoint!
He emerged in the mix of the big league established sires, with his 19 lots being snapped up for an aggregate R10 150 000 at an average of R534 211.
Three of the handsome blue-blooded son of multiple champion sire Captain Al’s yearlings fetched over R1 million, including a colt #145, sold for R1,4 million, a filly #67, sold for R1,3 million and another beautiful colt (#129) fetching R1 million.
“We are thrilled by the numbers achieved by both Rafeef and Malmoos – the consistency shown at the top end of the market by both, along with Rafeef topping the sale, and the excitement surrounding Malmoos bodes well for their futures. Congratulations to the breeders who have shown commitment and faith in terms of supporting the Ridgemont stallion barn – the support is very much appreciated!” added a delighted Craig Kieswetter.
