Kommetdieding’s fine conformation and action is shown in this picture taken of him at the Hollywoodbets Durban July gallops (Picture: Candiese Lenferna)
“He has what it takes.” That’s the opinion of respected stallion syndicate manager John Freeman on Kommetdieding.
John Freeman admits he is not one to syndicate just any stallion.
“If a horse doesn’t make my hair stand on edge, I won’t touch him,” admitted the man who has managed the stud careers of such sire standouts as Jallad, Captain Al, Dynasty, Trippi, Twice Over, What A Winter, Gimmethegreenlight, Master Of My Fate and One World!
John clearly gave Kommetdieding, who will be paraded at Klawervlei Stud’s stallion day on Thursday 28 August, his stamp of approval when he syndicated the horse at the end of his racing career.
“From humble beginnings, he did it the hard way and showed so much brilliance. Also, he was as sound as a bell throughout his career.”
The young Klawervlei stallion, whose first foals are newly-turned yearlings, will stand his third season at stud this year and with his racetrack efforts in danger of becoming a faded memory, now is the perfect time to remind everyone what a good racehorse he was.
By Fort Wood’s champion son Elusive Fort, Kommetdieding’s biography reads like a rags to riches story.
Purchased off the Klawervlei Farm Sale for a paltry R55 000 by novice owner Ashley Reynolds, Kommetdieding entered the small yard of Harold Crawford and Michelle Rix and took them on a heady ride over the next four seasons.
By the time he retired to stud following a stellar career, the ‘people’s champ, as he was fondly referred to, had repaid his connections with a pair of Gr1 wins and earnings of over R4,2-million.
He also had the distinction of being one of just seven gallopers to have completed the coveted Durban July/ Met double, a feat achieved only by himself, Hussein, Yataghan, Politician, London News, Pocket Power and Igugu. That’s exalted company to be in.
In the 2021 Vodacom Durban July, Kommetdieding raced wide throughout but came with a withering run in the straight to draw alongside old nemesis Linebacker a furlong from home. Favourite Got The Greenlight also joined in the fray and in a pulsating dash for the line, it was Kommetdieding who stayed on best to record a first top level victory.
It was sweet revenge for the colt, as he had finished third to Linebacker in both the Gr2 KZN Guineas and Gr1 Daily News 2000.
Undefeated at two, the colt had arrived in Durban with an unbeaten four-win streak in tow, capped by a facile victory in the Gr3 Politician Stakes.
Ironically, he was favourite for the Gr1 Cape Derby but injury forced his withdrawal from the classic which was won by Linebacker. Together with Jet Dark, Linebacker and Triple Crown winner Malmoos, Kommetdieding was short-listed for the Equus Champion 3yo of the 2021-22 season, with the honours ultimately going to Jet Dark.
The 2022 Met saw Kommetdieding challenged by old adversary Linebacker close to home, but defeat was never an option and the four-year-old stretched away to take the honours from a fast-finishing Jet Dark, who had beaten him in the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.
The pair treated racegoers to some epic battles, notably in a rousing finish to the Gr1 Champions Cup at Hollywoodbets Greyville, where Jet Dark prevailed by a hard-fought neck, and again in the 2023 Met, where Kommetdieding looked a winner, only to be caught on the line by his old nemesis, who produced a hurricane finish hard up against the outside rail.
That proved to be the final start for both protagonists and Kommetdieding returned to birthplace Klawervlei for stud duties.
A handsome horse who invariably caught the eye in the paddock, he is out of the Captain Al mare Adorable, a three-part sister in blood to triple Gr1 winner Captain America, and hails from a strong sire-producing female line which traces to Queen Of Light, a close relation to successful sires Alycidon and Acropolis. Four of Queen Of Light’s daughters established sire-producing families, one of which was Kommedieding’s fifth dam Crystal Light.
Read his Raceform pedigree page by clicking here.
In his first season, ‘Kommet’ covered in excess of 70 mares. His service fee for 2025 has been pitched at R12 000.
Klawervlei will have its annual stallion day at 11h00 on Thursday, 28 August. Those interested in sending Kommetdieding a mare are welcome to come up for the day and view him at the stallion barn.
Sporting Post
- Anybody interested in attending the Stallion Day on Thursday 28 August should call Tracey at Klawervlei on 066 185 7197 or John Freeman on 082 777 8117.
