THE final day of trading of the 2013 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale took place on Sunday. There were mixed messages from the sale’s figures, but they look in line with reality, as last year’s catalogue is regarded as exceptionally strong. The two day sale ended with the aggregate up 21% on last year’s sale, rising from R38.67 million in 2012 to R47.075 million. However, the average dropped, albeit by just 2.8%, from R222,241 to R215,940.

The median remained steady, falling slightly from R145,000 to R140,000 in 2013. While 19 horses failed to find a buyer, vendor buy backs dropped this year from 16 to 6.

A large overseas contingent of Hong Kong buyers played a vital role in the sale. They purchased a combined total of 19 horses for an aggregate of just over R6 million, and clearly appreciated both the quality of horse on sale, and the tremendous value for money that South African bloodstock offered them.

Six lots fetched R1,000,000 plus, with the sales topper an Australian bred, Encosta De Lago colt. Consigned by Summerhill, the striking  colt was purchased by Adriaan van Vuuren for R1,8-million. Catalogued as lot 104, the colt, named Intandokazi was produced by the stakes placed Flying Spur mare, Bella Princess.

Another Australian bred, lot 113, was the sales’ top priced filly. A daughter of champion 2-year-old, and leading sire, Teofilo, the unnamed filly was snapped up by Form Bloodstock for R1,200,000.

Van Vuuren was the sales leading buyer, purchasing six lots for a gross total of R4,920,000. His Misty Meadows Stable purchased four of the sales’ top ten lots.

Leading vendor at the Ready To Run Sale was Summerhill Stud, whose 66 lots to sell fetched R16,780,000.

KwaZulu-Natal’s leading sire Kahal topped the sires list by aggregate. His 28 lots to sell amassed R5,810,000, at an average price of R207,500. Top sire, by average, was the late, great Western Winter, whose four lots to sell fetched R3,600,000 – at the impressive average of R900,000.

The TBA’s CEO, Tom Callaghan, was delighted with a number of aspects of sale – especially the contribution of the overseas contingent. He commented, “2014 is the year of the horse! The Chinese and Hong Kong contribution have hugely helped to boost the sale. While the aggregate is up 21%, there were more horses on sale this year. We would like to thank the overseas buyers, and in particularly, Racing South Africa and SAETREC, who have both been active in highlighting the quality of South African bloodstock.

“While the average is down from last year, it must be remembered the 2012 catalogue was a truly exceptional one. While we had a very tough day on Friday, there was a great attendance on Sunday, when things really picked up. Thank you to all the vendors involved with the sale, and I feel that overall the 2013 Emperors Palace Ready to Run Sale was a good one.”

Summerhill Stud’s Mick Goss was reflective following the sale. He said: “It was great to see more active bidding on Sunday, and that the momentum gained throughout the sale. The importance of foreign buyers at this sale can’t be overstated, and hats off to the trade council, who have helped make their participation a reality.

“If we believe the number of yearlings microchipped this year, racing really needs to look to supplement this number (2000). Racing can’t thrive on small fields, and this really needs to be looked at. However, as long as we continue to embody the spirit of our countrymen, and attract more foreign support, South African racing will yet prosper!”