Quid Pro Quo, the first to win all three of the Gr 1 Allan Robertson, the Gr 2 Zulu Kingdom Explorer Golden Slipper and the Gr 1 Douglas Whyte Thekwini Stakes and she showed those were not just down to precocity when putting in a stunning performance in her reapperance to obilterate the boys in the Gr 2 Betway Dingaans. (Candiese Lenferna Photography).
Barry Irwin’s first ultimately lucrative foray into South African-bred bloodstock was with the obscurely pedigreed Zimbawean-bred Ipi Tombe (Manshood), so it is little surprise his Team Valor International syndicate organisation was the buyer when it was announced the obscurely-bred superstar filly Quid Pro Quo had been sold.
The sale of the Barend Botes-trained Gerald Kalil-homebred Lance filly is subject to her passing various tests.
The Sporting Post compiled the following report after speaking to Irwin:
Barry Irwin of Team Valor International has confirmed that plans are in place to export Equus champion Quid Pro Quo to Europe and ready her for Dubai in 2026.
Quid Pro Quo is set for an international career (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The leading international owner was talking to the Sporting Post on Saturday morning after news broke that Gerald and Karen Kalil’s all-conquering Lance filly would be winging her way to an international career.
“Depending on how soon she can be readied for a direct flight, she may run a time or two in Joburg with her current trainer, Barend Botes,” added Irwin who confirmed that as of Friday’s vetting by Dr Terry Casey of Fourways Equine practice, Team Valor International has managed to acquire Quid Oro Quo, pending blood tests to determine her eligibility to be exported.
Barry Irwin – internationally successful bloodstock and racing man (Pic – Supplied)
The veteran racing man said that ‘it was not an easy transaction’ as Quid Pro Quo’s owner-breeder Gerald Kalill was quite understandably reluctant to let go of a Champion filly of her quality and remaining international potential.
“She is quite a tall filly and she is still growing. Her trainer has done an absolutely brilliant job in managing her to this point. We greatly look forward to allowing the filly to showcase herself on the worldwide stage over the coming years in Dubai, Europe and the United States,” he concluded.
On beating the boys in the Betway Gr2 Dingaans at her first start as a 3yo, Quid Pro Quo had some experts comparing her to the ‘Galloping Goldmine’ Empress Club! She is a daughter of Heuningsfontein-based sire Lance (Jet Master) out of the five-time winning daughter of The Sheik, Delightful Diva.
Already a dual Gr1 and Gr2 heroine, the multiple award-winning filly has won 6 races with 2 places from 8 starts for earnings of R2 175 250.
