The 2019 Emperors Palace National 2YO Sale ended on Friday afternoon on a real high note.
Despite taking place in a very gloomy economic background, the National 2YO Sale ended with all of the aggregate, average and median up on last year, giving a welcome boost to the somewhat beleaguered racing industry.
The aggregate rose from R29.455 million to R32.575 million-an increase of over 10%, while the sales’ average price increased from R89 802 to R103 875 (a rise of 16%) and the median increased from R50 000 to R60 000 this year.
Skhwelemthini Investements were Leading Buyers at the 2019 National 2YO Sale, purchasing five two-year-olds for R2.365 million. Their tally included the Dynasty colt Victor Emmanuel (Lot 385) –a R700 000 buy from Wilgerbosdrift.
Klipdrif Stud, as agent, ended up as the Leading Vendors, with the Robertson based farm selling 15 of their 20 lots offered for a gross amount of R3.655 million.
Short-lived Equus champion Soft Falling Rain, whose first crop winners last season included G2 Gagasi FM Debutante winner Montreal Mist, was the top Sire at the sale, with all of his 14 lots on offer selling for R2.74 million. His top lot was the Wilgerbosdrift consigned colt named Herecomestherain (Lot 46) who made R600 000.
Colts by top stallions Dynasty and Silvano, however, jointly topped the sale, fetching R800 000 apiece. Silvano colt Silver Star Dust (Lot 89) topped proceedings on the first day of the National 2YO Sale, when that Klipdrif Stud (as Agent) consigned colt was knocked down to Lynton Ryan, while the regally bred Dynasty own brother (Lot 267) to former 2YO Sale graduate and subsequent Equus Champion Bela-Bela made R800 000 at Friday’s session when that beautifully bred colt was sold to Kestorm Investments.
Consigned by Cheveley Stud, the son of now retired Broodmare Of The Year Mystic Spring is a half or full brother to seven stakes winners, including ill-fated champion Rabiya and G1 producers Secret Of Victoria and Spring Lilac.
Master Of My Fate’s daughter Tenacity (Lot 38) was the top filly sold at this year’s National 2YO Sale, with that Varsfontein Stud bred filly making R450 000 when knocked down to Bass Racing. Out of a full-sister to G2 Golden Slipper/G3 Monrovia Handicap winner Alexandra Rose and to Syringa Handicap heroine Alexa, Tenacity is a half-sister to 4 winners notably Swallow Stakes victress All At Once.
Bloodstock South Africa’s Gary Grant was understandably upbeat after the sale, commenting, “I think it is safe to say that this sale was a resounding success. It gave vendors some hope in what can best be described as uncertain times in this industry. One of the most pleasing aspects of the sale was the significant part played by several newcomers to the racing industry.”
The full list of results and statistics for the 2019 Emperors Palace National 2YO Sale can be viewed online at www.bsa.co.za
Image: Lot 267 // Candiese Marnewick
