SATURDAY, 8 August saw the first CTS Two-Year-Old Sale. When final figures came in, the 99 lots grossed an aggregate R4,285,000 at an average of R59,514 as the median settled around R40, 000.

The sales topper was Lot 86, Bonnie Prince, a Pathfork colt out of Sound The Flute, signed for by John Freeman, with the hammer falling at R260,000.

Next best was Lot 64, Mexican Sun, by Grey’s Inn out of Loving Wife, a half sister to high class filly League Title. Jozi trainer, Michael Azzie bid up to R240, 000 to secure it on behalf of major patron Adriaan van Vuuren.

Indeed, Pathfork and Greys Inn were to head the Sire lists.

Newcomer Pathfork’s youngsters are strongly built – experienced breeder Dr Ian Heyns proclaimed, “If they run as good as they look, then they will be special.”

An exciting stallion from the famous Saddlers Wells line, Pathfork was Champion two year- old colt in Ireland, and his progeny certainly got bidders’ pulses racing. His four lots sold for a very healthy average of R176,500.

Graham Koster, Rosedene Stud.

Former Durban July victor Greys Inn sold six at an aggregate of R89, 167.

Craig Carey and Clinton Binda look like they just bought the 2017 Vodacom Durban July winner

Cape Trainer Paddy Kruyer was sufficiently impressed with the colt, Lightening Path, going up to R180,000 to secure Lot 44. “Greys Inn has sired the favourite of the last two July’s – look, they didn’t win those races, but still it shows he can get them there,” he explained.

Another Cape Town conditioner to get stuck in was Riaan van Reenen, spending R250,00 on three purchases. He has enjoyed tremendous success with selected progeny of Windrush – think of classy fillies Diana’s Choice, A Daughter’s Legacy and Baltic Beauty.

So, it was significant when he went after and got Lot 43 by that sire for only R50, 000. “I know how to pick those Windrush fillies!” he stated confidently. Van Reenen also signed at R100,000 for Lot 59 by potent new sire, Elusive Fort, out of six-time winning dam, Levitate, declaring the bay as “my pick of the sale.”

Two Year Old auctions can yield genuine bargains.

Shrewd judge Greg Ennion has uncovered real diamonds in the rough over the years and he was thrilled with another Elusive Fort, Lot 35, the aptly named Great Value.

“He is lovely, really a very nice colt.” Ennion picked up the horse for R70 000.

Highlands Farm Stud continue to maintain particularly high standards and came out on top of the vendor rankings by both aggregate and average. Mike Sharkey was pleased – selling nine horses for an average R95,556, aided by the strong impact of Pathfork’s progeny.

Graeme Koster of Rosedene Stud was perfectly happy with the end result, “I was pleased with my overall results and my two Greys Inn colts went very well.” Rosedene finished second on the vendors log with 10 lots selling for an aggregate of R655,000 ahead of Ambiance Stud who cleared ten thoroughbreds for R530,000.

Who knows, there could be a champion lurking amidst this two-year old draft, and their racetrack performances will be eagerly monitored.

Each auction in the Cape Thoroughbred Sale portfolio is designed for a different niche market, providing a cross-section of buyers and participating breeders with a wide array of commercial opportunities throughout the year.

Forward-thinking CTS Sales Manager, Amanda Carey neatly summarised these August 2015 returns, “We’re happy with the results, and look to grow the sale into the future.” – Sporting Post