CTS partners with De Grendel for Premier Sale

CAPE Thoroughbred Sales (CTS) is proud to announce a partner for the 2021 Cape Premier Yearling Sale to be held at De Grendel, one of the Western Cape’s most established and internationally renowned wine farms, situated near Plattekloof in the Cape Town wine region.

De Grendel, meaning ‘latch’ or ‘lock’ in Dutch, is one of Cape Town’s oldest farms, stretching out over almost 330 hectares on the fynbos-covered slopes of Tygerberg Hill. They will be hosting a sparkling 2021 renewal of the sale, moving from the city to the exquisite Cape countryside for renewed energy, and potential growth in one of the world’s most exclusive breeding and racing regions.

De Villiers Graaff, the fourth generation owner of De Grendel, owned by the Graaff family since 1892, said: “We were introduced recently to the horse racing industry by our cousin Pieter, who owns Lammerskraal Stud, but De Grendel is not foreign to loving horses, as my grandfather (Sir) De Villiers Graaff was a great horse lover who only ever revealed his treasured and private war stories when he was on the back of a horse!”

For the 2021 Cape Premier Yearling Sale, a conducive sale venue will be created on the De Grendel property next to its award-winning restaurant, a delightful culinary institution reflective of the unique heritage of the Cape, and presented with complementary De Grendel wines.

Graaff commented: “We are excited about this venture with CTS because there is a synergy in quality and objectives. The view from our farm is breath-taking, as it covers Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and stunning Tygerberg farm, 350 meters above sea level, arguably the best view in the Cape winelands. On a clear day, you can see all the way from Table Bay to False Bay, and sometimes even on to Cape Point. We also offer game drives to visitors, which include views of Eland, Rooi Hartebees and Bontebok.”

Grant Knowles, Bloodstock and Marketing Director of CTS, commented: “This is possibly the most exciting partnership in racing, combining two powerful brands with respective strengths, to elevate an already legendary sale to a whole new level. It will be an occasion not to be missed!”

Amanda Carey, Sales Director of CTS, said: “The synergy between horseracing, wine and tradition makes this the perfect venue. De Grendel is steeped in history. We thank the Graaff family for this opportunity.”

The 2021 De Grendel/CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale has been scheduled for Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January 2021, preceding the equally spectacular 2021 Sun Met on Saturday, 30th January 2021.