The first day of the Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale was topped by a R3.3 million (£165,642/€196,407/$206,219) Silvano (Ger) colt who went to Form Bloodstock. Offered by Varsfontein Stud and already named Forest God (SAf), lot 226 is out of the dual black-type winner Touch The Sky (SAf) (Jet Master {SAf}), who ran third in the G1 Woolavington 2000. He is also a half-brother to listed winner Amy Johnson (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}). This is the deep female family of Equus Champion Broodmare of the Year (2016/17) Mystic Spring (Ire) (Royal Academy), who is the colt's second dam.
Another pricy colt was R3-million purchase Celtic Chief (SAf) (Vercingetorix {SAf}) (lot 211). Part of the Mauritzfontein draft, the son of Tamdiid (Horse Chestnut {SAf}) was snapped up by SRB Plattner Farming. The unplaced dam is a full-sister to GI Garden City H. heroine Lucifer's Stone (Horse Chestnut {SAf}).
Lot 73 made R1.4 million from Vermaak Equine. From Ridgemont Highlands as agent, the highest-priced filly is by Vercingetorix (SAf) and out of Grade 3 winner Myfunnyvalentine (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}).
Overall, 13 yearlings made seven-figures on Thursday. The gross was R74,450,000 (£3,730,955/€4,423,365/$4,650,581) for 202 sold from 226 offered for a clearance rate of 89%. The average sits at R368,564 (£18,480/€21,911/$23,025) and the median is R260,000 (£13,036/€15,457/$16,242). Friday's session will be the final day of the National Yearling Sale.
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