Summerhill Stud has announced that it will be holding a dispersal of breeding stock at the farm's School Of Excellence on May 14.
The historic operation in KwaZulu-Natal has been a regular winner of the South African Breeders' Championship in recent years but it has been decided that numbers would be reduced. The stud's 11 stallions include Golden Sword (GB, Willow Magic (Aus), Brave Tin Soldier and Linngari (Ire)
In a statement, business manager Ferdi Heinen said that in his recollection, there had not been a sale of this depth and quality in 20 years, when the two G1 Durban July winners Devon Air (SAf) and Tecla Bluff (SAf), as well as the dams of Jet Master (SAf), Royal Chalice (SAf), Promisefrommyheart (SAf) and Covenant (SAf) were sold.
“The timing of the sale represents a convergence between the maturation of our old partnerships, which in some cases date back 30 years, and the owner's intention to make space for their other projects,” Heinen said.
“Clearly in this day and age, it is a rare opportunity to acquire the stock of a farm that has been at the head of the national breeding scene for much of the first two decades of the new century.”
According to bloodstock manager Tarryn Liebenberg, the catalogue of 106 mares includes 40 black-type winners, performers or stakes producers and 74 siblings to stakes horses. For the first time in years, there is a weanling entry of 80.
“Out of respect to our good friends at Backworth Stud, the catalogue will only be published online after their sale next week,” Heinen added. “We'll keep the public informed in that regard.”
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