The Grey King has two wins, four seconds and a third to his name after just ten starts. (Picture: Wayne Marks)
The previously syndicated horse The Grey King was purchased by one of his syndicate members, Etienne Braun, for R1,206,000 on the BSA October Online sale today.
The former Kings Club syndicate-owned horse was easily the highest priced horse at the Sale and in fact went for more than a R1 million more than the second highest priced horse.
Braun was representing a partnership which includes Robert Bloomberg, Gina Goldsmith and Greg Bortz, Jonathan Bloch, the Stonebridge family and himself.
The Vercingetorix gelding will remain in training with Justin Snaith.
Jonathan Snaith explained the reason for the auction, “The King’s Syndicate purchased the horse and paid two years training fees up front. The two-year syndicate term was up and the fairest way to dissolve the partneship was on a public auction where all members or shareholders could also bid. This was reflected in the incredibly high price that The Grey King fetched. The syndicate members will be paid out the stakes and the purchase price of this Sale combined.”
Snaith Racing was the official vendor, although they have never at any point held any shares in the Grey King.
Justin was surprised by the price, but delighted at the same time.
Jonathan said, “I think one would have expected a price around R800,000, but he seemed to be incredibly popular.
The Grey King has thus turned out to be one of South Africa’s most successful ever syndicate horses.
He was purchased by The Kings Club for R350,000 at the Cape Racing Sales 2022 Ready to Run sale.
The Grey King is officially merit rated 98.
