100 years of the South African Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association of South Africa was formed in 1920 by a core group of early breeders.
The first AGM of the association was held in 1921, and to celebrate the centenary a limited edition, high-gloss, coffee-table book is being published by Africa Press for release in April 2022.
The first AGM of the association was held in 1921, and to celebrate the centenary a limited edition, high-gloss, coffee-table book is being published by Africa Press for release in April 2022.
The book sets out the story of the past 100 years, notable breeders, the champions, the characters and the significant horses and moments that have shaped the breed in South Africa. However the history of thoroughbred racing and breeding in South Africa started many years before that, and notable and ongoing importation of bloodstock has played a major role in defining the South African racehorse. The early years are also touched on in the book and as an introduction, we share just some of the information that will be recorded and celebrated in our centenary publication.
January 4, 2022
SEA COTTAGE – THE END OF AN ERA The May 1987 issue of the SOUTH AFRICAN RACEHORSE carried this excellent five page article on our […]
January 3, 2022
HIGH VELDT (GB) 1953, a chestnut colt by HYPERION (GB) out of OPEN COUNTRY (GB) by FAIRWAY (GB), bred and raced in England by HER MAJESTY […]
December 31, 2021
DRUM BEAT (IRE) 1953, a bay colt by FAIR TRIAL (GB) out of RESPITE (GB) by FLAG OF TRUCE (GB). He was bred by Sir Percy […]
December 29, 2021
RENOUNCE (SAF) 1961, a chestnut filly by ARCTIC FLOWER (GB) out of CLEANSE (SAF) by MARCIUS (FR), was bred by Mr. J.C. van der Walt and […]
December 28, 2021
The great filly KINGS PACT (SAF) 1950, a bay filly by HIS EXCELLENCY II (GB), out of MAGNA CARTA (GB), by WINDSOR LAD (GB). She was […]
December 26, 2021
NOBLE CHIEFTAIN (IRE) 1952, a bay colt by NEARCO (ITY) out of VELLADA (FR) by TOURBILLON (FR). To stud in South Africa in 1956 with Paul […]
December 25, 2021
Some early Thoroughbred Stallions who stood in South Africa. All photos are labelled with pedigree information where possible. […]
December 23, 2021
Black & white photo memories of the legend that was SEA COTTAGE (SAF) 1962, a bay colt by FAIRTHORN (IRE) out of MARITIME (SAF) by MERCHANT […]
December 22, 2021
The fabulous WILWYN (GB) 1948, a bay colt by PINK FLOWER (GB) out of SARACEN (GB) by DONATELLO II (FR). He was bred and raced very […]









