Form Bloodstock Dominates BSA National Yearling Sale

[Wandering Eyes]

Jehan Malherbe's Form Bloodstock dominated proceedings for the 10th consecutive year at the Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale on Thursday and Friday. The sale's top buyer, Malherbe spent R27,075,000 on 15 lots, including the four top sellers.

Topping the sale was a Rafeef (Aus) colt named October Rush (SAf), who is a son of Miss October (SAf) (Var) from Avontuur Estate. The half-brother to South African champion and Grade 1 winner Tempting Fate (SAf) (Master Of My Fate {SAf}) and fellow top-level winner October Morn (SAf) (Trippi), he cost R4,250,000 (€196,513) as lot 197.

A trio of Vercingetorix (SAf) yearlings set the next three prices to Form Bloodstock: R3,250,000 (lot 1, a filly consigned by Hemel 'n Aarde Stud), R3,000,000 (lot 244, a filly offered by Lammerskraal Stud) and R2,800,000 (lot 336, a colt also from Lammerskraal).

Malherbe said, “We were able to buy most of what we shortlisted, including the top colt, a beautiful specimen by Rafeef out of a very good broodmare. Rafeef is red-hot at the moment, and we specifically targeted his progeny. We ended up securing seven, including a smart colt from Summerview Stud, one of the smaller breeders.”

Mary Slack's Wilgerbosdrift Stud topped the list for the third time in five years, recording a turnover of R20,075,000 from 20 yearlings at an average of R1,003,750.

At the close of the two-day sale, 305 yearlings sold from 346 offered (88%). The gross was R171,975,000 (€7,960,655), a drop of 14% compared to 2024's aggregate of R200,190,000 (€9,266,716) from a larger catalogue. The average was R563,852 (€26,100) (-3%) and the median was unchanged a R400,000 (€18,514). A total of 43 yearlings fetched prices of R1 million or higher.

Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock SA, said, “We are very pleased with the figures recorded, not just for the big-ticket yearlings, but for the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie that this sale continues to foster across the breeding and racing industries.

“Beyond the numbers, the National Yearling Sale is a true celebration of tradition and unity, where rivals become friends and buyers of all levels gather together for their common love of the horse. The sheer volume of million-rand sales speaks not just to the quality on offer, but to the enduring faith of buyers in this historic auction.”

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