A new chapter in the illustrious history of Klawervlei Stud will begin under the ownership of prominent businessman and leading racehorse owner Laurence Wernars, while another draws to a close at the farm on Monday, 10 August, with what promises to be one of the most significant dispersal sales of elite thoroughbred bloodstock seen in South Africa for decades.
The six-time champion breeding establishment at Bonnievale recently changed hands after more than four decades under the stewardship of the Koster family. The transition will be marked by the dispersal of 181 lots – representing Klawervlei’s resident stallions, shares in several leading sires, its outstanding broodmare band and a select draft of just-turned yearlings.
Grant Knowles, the originator of the popular Klawervlei Farm Sale and a close friend of the Koster family, has been enlisted to assist with conducting the landmark auction, to be handled from the podium by auctioneers Andrew Miller and Tom Hodgson.
The auction will get underway at 11am with one of the sale’s highlights – the offering of 33 exclusive stallion shares. Klawervlei’s holdings include eight shares in champion sire Vercingetorix, four in Kommetdieding, two each in One World and Rafeef, as well as individual shares in Charles Dickens, Gimmethegreenlight, What A Winter, Real Gone Kid, Malmoos, Erik The Red, Green With Envy, Hawwaam, Point Lonsdale, Oriental Charm and Snow Pilot. Three shares in Captain Of All will be sold as a single package.
Lots 34 to 123 comprise a remarkable offering of 89 broodmares representing some of the most accomplished families in the South African Stud Book, including daughters of Klawervlei’s foundation mares. Most are in foal and due to produce shortly after the sale.
Knowles said: “The quality and depth of this broodmare band are exceptional. It simply isn’t possible to do justice to every mare in a few comments, so I would encourage prospective buyers to study the online catalogue. These mares have formed the backbone of Klawervlei’s success over many years and I’m confident they will continue to reward their new owners.”
The yearlings on offer off the farm always present marvellous opportunities and Knowles said: “This will be a well-attended and competitive auction, but experience tells us that outstanding value can still be found. Every year a few quality lots slip through the cracks. Kommetdieding is the perfect example. He was sold here for just R55,000 in 2019 to a small buyer and went on to become a Durban July winner and now a promising young stallion.”
Knowles said the sale would revive the spirit of the popular Klawervlei Farm Sale, which became a highlight of the bloodstock calendar between 2011 and 2020. Renowned for
its outstanding hospitality, strong attendance and festive atmosphere, the event attracted buyers from across South Africa, many of whom made a long weekend of it in the Robertson valley as the sale evolved into a three-day celebration of thoroughbred breeding and friendship.
“Most of the familiar members of the Klawervlei staff who assisted at the farm sales will be in attendance,” said Knowles.
An online sales platform and a zoom facility will be available to buyers who cannot make it to Klawervlei on the day, and the buyers card application can be downloaded from the Klawervlei website, here.
Hard copies of the sales catalogue are available on request, and the catalogue can be downloaded on this link.
For more information: Grant Knowles: 083 882 9774 or centralrtrading@gmail.com
Joanne Knowles: 083 399 6353.
