Top-selling lot 202, a filly by Vercingetorix ex Victoriana, goes through the ring (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Sporting Post
A Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud-bred full-sister to the exciting Quickstepgal was the topseller as the curtain came down on a well attended BSA KZN Yearling Sale held on Thursday at the Suncoast Casino complex on the eve of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Set to be crowned our Champion Sire for the current season, Vercingetorix has enjoyed another outstanding term with his numerous flagbearers including the likes of Double Grand Slam, Gladatorian, Mia Moo, Greaterix, Oriental Charm, Spumante Dolce, Garrix, Immediate Edge and Native Ruler etc .
It was not surprising to see the enthusiastic demand for the son of Silvano’s sole offspring in the 202 lot catalogue, with Jonathan Snaith sealing the winning bid, the hammer falling at R1,3 million.
Aptly named V Squared, lot 202 is out of Victoriana, a Gr3 placed half-sister to champion Hammie’s Hooker and 3/4 sister to dual Gr3 winner Gem King. Her full-sister Quickstepgal won the Gr3 Tote Strelitzia Stakes recently and is fancied to make it four on the trot in the SplashOut Gr2 Golden Slipper on Saturday.
“We believe she was the standout filly on the sale, both in terms of pedigree and conformation, and she was beautifully presented by Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud,” a delighted Jono Snaith told the Sporting Post, pointing out that he had loved her sister, Quickstepgal, who sold for R450 000 on the 2024 renewal of the July week sale.
“We are thrilled to have her sibling, who we hope will follow in her footsteps. Quickstepgal looks like the filly to beat in the Gr2 Splashout Golden Slipper on Saturday, which would significantly enhance her pedigree,” he added.
Showing no big race nerves ahead of Saturday’s date with destiny for their stable star Eight On Eighteen, Snaith pointed out that with their former Grade 1 champion Double Superlative standing in KZN, they would like to support local breeders more.
“They are incredibly important to our horse population and truly wonderful people. Bloodstock SA was, as always, accommodating and made the experience pleasant for all their customers,” he concluded.
Snaith was the top buyer on aggregate, his 6 lots costing R2 825 000 at an average of R470 833.
Overall the sale produced a pleasing record aggregate of R44 725 000 and a record median of R180 000, the 195 lots producing an average of R229 359.
On the sire’s table, Ridgemont’s Redoute’s Choice crackerjack Rafeef sold his 8 lots for a chart-topping aggregate of R4 385 000, at an average of R548 125.
Hermanus nursery Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud enjoyed one of their best sales in years, their 12 selling for an aggregate of R6 290 000, at an average of R524 167.
