Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock South Africa (BSA) (Picture: BSA).
David Mollett
Mention the name Michael Holmes overseas – particularly in America – and people will know you’re referring to the CNN correspondent.
Mention Michael Holmes in South Africa and practically every owner, trainer and breeder will know you are referring to a guy who has been an integral part of the bloodstock world for three decades.
This month – on April 21 and 22 to be exact – SA’s Michael Holmes will lead his executive team at Bloodstock SA on their two most important days of the year – the National Yearling Sales in Germiston.
The journey for Michael began in 1988 (Blimey, he’s aged well!) when he joined the Durban-based firm of Chris Smith Bloodstock learning the tricks of the bloodstock world – and there are many – from a master of his trade.
Between 1985 and his sudden passing in 2001, Chris Smith was a powerhouse in the bloodstock world and had a clientele which included pools magnate, Robert Sangster, and many of the leading owners in the country.
“Those were the golden days – Chris had owners and breeders knocking on his door as they knew he was the best in closing a deal,” reflected Michael.
Then in 2001 – after checking in to a Durban hospital for what was thought to be a minor illness – Chris passed away overnight leaving his close friends in total shock. They included breeders Des and Robin Scott, Herman Brown Snr, Diane and David Nagle, Holmes and myself.
The Nagles were particularly close to Chris and flew out from Ireland for the funeral.
The next stage of his career saw Michael Holmes Bloodstock emerge as popular with owners and trainers – particularly his Shongweni sale where bread-and-butter horses changed hands for modest amounts.
His signing for Bloodstock SA was a coup for the sales company – similar to Manchester United if they sign Harry Kane which they need to do after Sunday’s result!
Chris Smith began his career in newspapers and he drummed into Michael the importance of the media. In the heyday of Robert Sangster, he would get me to organise press briefings with the famous owner who enjoyed huge success with Vincent O’Brien in Ireland.
So no surprise when I chatted to Michael that he wanted to steer the conversation towards the National Yearling Sales in a fortnight’s time.
Did he feel vendors would approach the sale in a bullish mood, I asked. “Yes, I believe they will as the industry as a whole is in an upward trend.”
Did he feel the R136,9m aggregate of 2022 could be bettered. “That’s always a question that isn’t easy to answer, but I would answer it in the affirmative for the reason we’ve got a nice crop of horses among the 401 lots which should appeal to the wide spectrum of owners and trainers.”
“Then, of course, there is the huge incentive for buyers of the R100 000 juvenile bonus scheme – basically if your horse can win two races, it pays for his or her keep for 18 months.”
As Michael can’t be seen to be favouring any particular stud, he wouldn’t be drawn on which yearling might make top price – last year’s highest price was R3,3 million.
So – as I have no such restrictions – I’ll have a stab at it and name Maine Chance Farms’ Vercingetorix colt, Prince Valiant (lot 19), as the possible saletopper. An early foal born in August, this yearling is a half-brother to the Gr 1 winning mare, Princess Calla.
Princess Calla is owned by Mario Ferreira so his team – and Sean Tarry – will be having a close look at her half-brother, but – as Michael is expecting “considerable overseas interest” – it’s likely the bids will be coming in thick and fast to whovever’s on the rostrum – either Steve Davis or Andrew Miller.
New Zealander Steve Davis has been a regular at this sale longer than Jordan Pickford has been keeping goal for England and that’s a long time.
Skipping through the national sale catalogue and four other lots which should prove popular on the first day include lot 161 a full-sister to Kommetdieding from Oldlands Stud, lot 107 a half-brother (by What A Winter) to Do It Again from Lammerskraal Stud, lot 169 a half-brother to Alesian Chief from Ambiance Stud and lot 94 a half-brother (by Vercingetorix) to Gr 1 winner Missisippi Burning from Rathmor Stud.
Gary Player will also be expecting plenty of interest in his Futura colt (Millstream Farm as agent) as this yearling (lot 65) is a half-brother to Gr 2 winner, Vars Vicky.
Michael Holmes executive team at BSA includes Ashley De Klerk, Heather Morkel (sales liaison) and former talented and knowledgeable former trainer Alistair Gordon (sales liaison).
Little wonder his latest post – probably not as many as Graeme Hawkins has held – will end up with a happy ending. Chris Smith would be delighted by what his prodigy has achieved.
