A buoyant thoroughbred market worldwide combined with the fact that the Johannesburg Securities Exchange is trading near all-time highs should ensure that this year’s Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale is another record-breaker.

Staged at the world-class TBA Sales Complex in Germiston on 4, 6 & 7 May, this year’s National Yearling Sale boasts a catalogue that is even stronger than the one presented in 2006, which was branded at the time as the “best in the history of the TBA” by leading bloodstock agent and purchaser Robin Bruss.

The 571-strong 2007 catalogue includes progeny closely related to no less than 50 Grade 1 winners, a significant increase on last year’s return of 29. The number of yearlings out of Grade 1 winning mares has also improved to 16 from 14 a year ago.

The 2007 Emperor’s Palace NYS Catalogue was introduced to members of the media at a luncheon this week. Jan Naude (CEO of the TBA, on photo with Caroline Simpson, Sales Manager) and Byron Kennedy (Marketing Manager), hosted Dave Mollett (Business Day and The Citizen); Nico Kritsiotis (Tellytrack), Neil Andrews (Supersport) and others.

The recent outbreak of Encephelosis in the Western Cape appears under control, which means that the 79 yearlings in the affected area were cleared to travel to Germiston this week.

 Jan Naude, chief executive of BloodStock South Africa (BSA), says: “Logistically, BSA has seen to it that there were enough floats to ensure that all of the yearlings will be available for viewing by prospective purchasers well in advance of the Sale proper.”

He adds: “We’re expecting a strong foreign buyer’s bench this year and we’re confident that all of our valued purchasers will be pleased with the superior quality of specimen on offer.”

 In its quest to keep abreast of international best practices, BSA has introduced a Radiograph Repository at this year’s National Yearling Sale, a first in South Africa. On a voluntary basis, vendors can lodge pre-sale radiographs at a specially built facility at the TBA Complex that will be available for viewing by SA Veterinary Council licensed veterinarians only. Following input from veterinarian experts, a minimum of 34 radiographs per yearling are required in accordance with prescribed protocol.

 “Buyers will be able to make a more informed decision about purchases as a result of our ground-breaking repository. We’ve lent much from the policies and processes in place from auction houses around the globe – in particular Keeneland – and expect its utilisation to increase at a rapid rate,” explains Naude.