Var

The 2023 Cape Yearling Sale catalogue is now online and can be viewed on the Bloodstock South Africa website. Potential standouts include lot 13, a Querari (Ger) half-brother to G1 Cape Derby runner-up Sachdev (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}); an Erupt (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) half-sister to MG1SP Driving Miss Daisy (SAf) (Master Of My Fate {SAf}) (lot 35) and a colt out of G3 Fillies Mile winner Banbury (SAf) (Horse Chestnut {SAf}), by Ideal World, who will pass through the ring as lot 88. The 2023 Cape Yearling Sale will be held...

The speedy Group 1 winner Var (Forest Wildcat-Loma Preata, by Zilzal) was euthanised in South Africa on Monday. The 23-year-old had been pensioned at Avontuur Stud since last July. "Var was my pride and joy," Avontuur Stud General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh told the Sporting Post. "He changed the lives of untold racing and non-racing folk both here and across the world. He was a character and a champion extraordinaire. The scars of a battle bravely fought caught up with our loyal soldier in the end. We couldn't leave him to...

The catalogue for the Cheveley Stud Farm Sale is now online. Slated for June 16, the sale features 32 broodmares, yearlings, and weanlings set to go under the hammer. Covering sires represented include Futura (SAf), Gimmethegreenlight (Aus), Lancaster Bomber, Legislate (SAf), Master Of My Fate (SAf), One World (SAf), Querari (Ger), Soqrat (Aus), The United States (Ire), Var, and Vercingetorix (SAf). For more information, please visit www.bsa.co.za.com.

The 159th running of the R1.5 million L'Ormarins Queen's Plate WFA at Kenilworth Racecourse--a Breeders' Cup 'Win And You're In' race--was anything but ordinary. The field had barely arrived at the start when a grass fire broke out across the road from the track. With the prevailing wind sending billowing clouds of smoke across the tracks, the horses were placed in a hold, while the effect of the smoke was considered. When loading finally commenced, it appeared that Pack Leader (SAf) (Philanthropist) and Twist Of Fate (SAf) (Master Of My...