Horizon, the five-year-old Gr3 winner by multiple Gr1 winner and Equus Champion stallion Dynasty, has retired to stud at David Hepburn-Brown’s Hemel N Aarde Stud, Hermanus. He is being syndicated by Vermaak Equine and a number of shares have been sold.
Justin Vermaak is excited about Horizon’s prospects and said on Friday: “Dynasty and Silvano are the dominant classicstallions of South Africa, while breeders are now clamouring to get access to their best sons at stud. Horizon is from a Silvano mare and thus carries the blood of both, which present tremendous opportunities for breeders.
“Horizon himself is a winner of the Politician Stakes (Gr3) which is known as the “trial” for the Cape Derby Gr1.
He also ran third in SAF’S premier three-year old race, the Gr 1 Daily News, finishing behind multiple Gr1 winners and subsequentlyexported Edict Of Nantes and Al Sahem. Horizon’s dam Shina is by the legendary Lomitas (GER), and she’s a full-sister to Silvano, another multiple Equus Champion Sire and an international Gr1 winning globe trotting superstar. She is also a half sister to Sabiango, another multiple Gr1 winning sire.
Candice Bass-Robinson, who trained Horizon, said: “He had the talent to be a Gr1 winning race horse, he showed glimpses of his ability in races but ultimately was the type who needed gelding to show his best on the track, that was not on the cards for him but now the breeders in SA get to benefit by mating to a horse with exceptional presence, tons of athleticability and a superstar pedigree.”
A viewing function will be held at Hemel N Aarde on 22 February. Mail justin@greenstreetbloodstock.co.za for info.
-Charl Pretorius, Turf Talk Newsletter
