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.
December 16, 2021
DIGNITARY, the first South African bred horse to head the national sires list! He finished 2nd on the list in 1928, 3rd in 1929, 2nd in […]
December 16, 2021
POLYSTOME (GB) 1912, a chestnut horse by POLYMELUS (GB) out of BATTELS (GB) by BREAD KNIFE (GB), was bred by Isaac “JACK” Barnato Joel, who together […]
December 16, 2021
FARMERS WEEKLY Article (July 1964) – Mrs. Margaret de Wet at Excelsior Stud. […]
December 16, 2021
Remembering the remarkable Pat O’Neill of Broadlands Stud fame. Scanned from a 1970s issue of THE SA HORSEMAN with photos by Betty Kiggen. […]
December 16, 2021
A record that nobody will ever equal anywhere in the world. Mr. A.E. (Albert Snr) Passmore of FOREST GATE STUD, which was situated in the Bethlehem area, […]
December 16, 2021
BRED FOR THE WORLD indeed! GAMBUT, a tough, courageous racehorse and a grandson of the stallion SUNSTONE, who we recently introduced here on this social media […]
December 16, 2021
The inception of BROADLANDS STUD, about a decade before it was purchased by Lady Kenmare, the mother of the remarkable and legendary Pat O’Neill. […]
December 15, 2021
GREATOREX (GB) 1900, a bay horse by CARBINE (NZ) out of MRS BUTTERWICK (GB) by ST SIMON (GB). He was bred and raced by the Duke […]
December 15, 2021
CAMPANAJO (GB), a grandson of ISONOMY, was a bay horse foaled in 1892 by ISOBAR (GB) out of EVENING CHIMES (GB) by THE PALMER (GB). He […]









