Frances Ethel winning the Gr 2 Wilgerbosdrift Bridget Oppenheimer SA Oaks in the Tam Valor colours. (Picture: Wayne Marks)
Barry Irwin spoke today about the two top SA-bred fillies he has purchased for his Team Valor International racing syndicate, Frances Ethel and Quid Pro Quo.
He said, “Frances Ethel will not race again in South Africa.
She did not exit her last race perfectly sound and had to be treated.
She is fine now and in light training at Milnerton with Candice Bass-Robinson awaiting February 1 quarantine and projected flight 2 weeks later to Europe.
She will likely enter training with Andrew Balding in England. her long range plans call for export after 6 months in England to Australia. However, if she comes around fast enough, she very well could race in the UK or Europe.
Quid Pro Quo runs February in the Grade 2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas. Depending on when the next flight is to Europe, she could race again at Turffontein.
She will be flown to Europe. We plan to choose a trainer that will prepare her for the 2026 Dubai Carnival.
Following the World Cup night races, she will return to Europe, where she likely will race before possible export to the United States.
We have time before choosing her trainer and I want to think about it some more before making that important decision.”
