THE Western Cape boasts a long and proud history of producing champion racehorses and award winning wines.

Bloodstock South Africa will host its annual Cape Yearling Sale at the Mistico Equestrian Centre for the first time on Thursday.

Illustrious names from yesteryear of the ilk of Pocket Power, Mother Russia (photo below) and Irridescence will reverberate through the impressive venue as buyers bid for tomorrow’s champions.

Conveniently located in the beautiful Cape Winelands between Durbanville and Paarl, Mistico is the largest livery and show holding venue in the country and is the perfect backdrop for the high quality one day sale.

The time proven foundations of value and quality have underpinned demand at this sale and while history tells us that R190 000 would have bought a triple SA Horse Of The Year called Pocket Power, and just R30 000 secured last Saturday’s Dubai Super Saturday performer Sanshaawes, then there has to be a chance for all of us!

To show we are not talking one-hit wonders, the likes of Mother Russia, Irridescence, Hammie’s Hooker and fellow Gr1 winners O Caesour, Sarabande, Silver Arc, Sparkling Gem, Royal Bencher and Villandry, all had their time in the ring here. More recently, consider Sun Met 3yo Gold Standard, Gr2 winners Hack Green and Final Judgement, Gr3 winners Green Pepper and Doosra, and you have got to have penned Thursday 16 March into the diary as a must attend!

The 142 lots include progeny of the best we have, the exciting unknown – and plenty in between.

The catalogue can be viewed online, here.