Turf Talk Newsletter – 12 May, 2025

MJ Byleveld, Greg Cheyne and Callan Murray were all sponsored by Avontuur Estate at one stage during their careers. (Picture: Avontuur Estate).

In shock news a Sporting Post article has announced the closure of Avontuur Estate’s thoroughbred breeding operation at a time they seemed to be flourishing. Avontuur Estate is owned by Michael and Philip Taberer.

Read the Sporting Post article below:

It’s the end of an era in South African breeding with the news that Avontuur Estate has officially closed the stud operations of a farm that has flourished since the late 1980’s under the expertise of general manager Pippa Mickleburgh.

The home of famed stallions like Var and Oratorio, Avontuur Estate will continue as a wine farm, restaurant and manor house accommodation, plus its use as an events venue and activities such as padel will be unaffected, but in thoroughbred breeding terms terms the barns have shut.

Mickleburgh confirmed that the last transport carrier left Avontuur in early May and that it has been a huge wrench for her.

“This farm has been my life for 35 years. My blood, sweat and tears are in the soil. The memories will remain forever. It’s a very sad time for my staff as well. Many of the staff have been around for 20 years and some even for 40 years and are like family.

“The decision to close the farm is that of the owners. All of the horses have gone to Ridgemont, including 27 mares. Avontuur was a very successful stud farm, built up over the years. You’d have to go back into the history books, but for many seasons we have produced a Grade 1 winner.”

Mickleburgh is undecided about her own future.

“I think I will take a break when my employment with Avontuur ends on 30 June. I need some time to reflect. Avontuur is in my DNA. Seeing the windup of the breeding part and saying goodbye to all the horses on the farm continues to be very tough and emotionally draining.”

The last sale that Mickleburgh attended as representing Avontuur was last month’s 2025 BSA National Yearling Sales where the colt October Rush, by Rafeef out of the Gr1-winning mare Miss October, was knocked down to Form Bloodstock for a sales-topping R4.25-million.

In total, Avontuur’s seven lots at the sale fetched R6.45m, at an average of R921,429.

In the days that the final thoroughbreds were being transported out of Avontuur, the exciting One World colt, Dreamworld – bred by Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm out of the Oasis Dream mare Dream de Ra, won the Gr3 Winter Nursery at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth.

Mickleburgh was there at the lead-in, and could be seen wiping a tear from her eye.

“I’d just attended my final Sales and this was a final group winner for Avontuur while it was still operational as a stud farm. All other activities at Avontuur will remain, but the breeding side has closed.”

Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore, pictured on her way to Grand national glory on Minella Times in 2021, has announced her retirement, writing ‘I feel the time is right.’ (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

‘Without Henry, my story is very different’ — Rachael Blackmore announces retirement after 16 years

Chloe OKeeffe (MSN.com)

Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has announced her retirement, writing ‘I feel the time is right.’

The Tipperary native became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021.

She also became the first woman to be lead jockey at the Cheltenham Festival with six victories, including the Champion Hurdle in 2021.

Confirming her retirement on Monday afternoon, Rachael took to social media and shared: ‘I feel the time is right. I’m sad but I’m also incredibly grateful for what my life has been for the past 16 years. I just feel so lucky, to have been legged up on the horses I have, and to have experienced success I never even dreamt could be possible.’

The 35-year-old noted that those she had to thank were ‘endless.’

‘Firstly, my parents who produced me with the best childhood and a pony I couldn’t hold,’ she shared, ‘This set the seed for a life of racing.’

The jockey paid tribute to Aidan Kennedy who she had her first point to point with as well as Arthur Moore and Pat Doyle who she spent time riding with in her early days.

‘I rode my first winner for Shark Hanlon, who then helped me become Champion Conditional,’ Rachael continued, ‘I will be forever grateful to Shark for getting behind me, supporting me and believing in me when it would have been just as easy to look elsewhere.

‘He was the catalyst for what was to come.’

Rachael explained how a ‘conversation’ between Eddie O’Leary and Henry de Bromhead on the way to Aintree took her career to a ‘whole new level.’

After getting in the door at Knockeen, she met horses including Honeysuckle, A Plus Tard, Minella Indo and Minella Times.

‘All with one thing in common — Henry de Bromhead. He’s a phenomenal trainer, who brought out the best in me,’ Rachael praised, ‘Without Henry, my story is very different.’

The jockey then paid tribute to her sponsors over the years as well as her team at Knockeen who she said ‘do such incredible work looking after all the horses.’

‘To all the amazing doctors, surgeons and physios who looked after me over the years,’ she added, ‘To all the wonderful owners who trusted me and gave me the opportunity to do what I love doing.

‘To everyone I shared the weigh room with, I’ll miss being in there with you.’

Rachael’s statement concluded, admitting that it was ‘daunting’ to no longer be referred to as a jockey.

‘Who even am I now,’ she joked, ‘But I feel so incredible lucky to have had the career I’ve had. To have been in the right place at the right time with the right people, and to have gotten on the right horses — because it doesn’t matter how good you are without them.

‘They have given me the best days of my life and to them I am most grateful.’

Social media users took to the comments to extend well wishes to Rachael on her retirement, with one writing: ‘Rachel you inspired me.’

Another added: ‘Simply the best Rachael.’

Which two sprinters to stand in South Africa both won the Gr 1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp over 1000m.

Picture: The picture gives a clue to the answer