The Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale remains South Africa’s Thoroughbred Sale of Sales and the 2010 catalogue once again reflects a remarkable measure of quality and depth. Year after year the country’s premier sale builds on its proud legacy, mainly due to the fact that its graduates continue to succeed at the highest level. Make sure that you are ringside on Friday 23, Sunday 25 and Monday 26 April!

This year’s draft comprises 603 entries, featuring siblings to no less than 33 Grade 1 winners including champions National Currency, Mythical Flight, National Colour, Let’s Rock ‘N Roll, Rebel King and Cataloochee. The catalogue abounds with top international bloodlines and the best local breeders have to offer and TBA Chairman Altus Joubert commented: “The international thoroughbred industry has become alive to the fact that South African thoroughbreds are able to hold their own on the international circuit. Unlike some markets overseas, the South African market has never been overpriced and has always presented excellent value for money.”

Trainer Mike de Kock, enjoying another superb season in Dubai, said recently that if all goes according to plan he is likely to saddle two SA-breds, Lizard’s Desire and Mr Brock, in the world’s richest race, the US6-million Dubai World Cup on 27 March. Confirming Joubert’s sentiments, De Kock was full of praise for South African bloodstock and commented: “Our horses are tough and sound and international buyers should be flocking to South Africa.”

Over the last year, graduates from the Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale have won 10 Grade 1 races. They include R2-million Summer Cup winner Aslan, a R250 000 buy in 2007, and Cape Fillies Guineas Field Flower, a R225 000 purchase in 2008. Forty other graduates excelled at stakes level. SA’s leading stallions Jet Master, Silvano, Captain Al, Western Winter and Kahal are well represented in the catalogue and up-and-coming stallions Dynasty, VAR and Parade Leader also have exciting drafts.

Added to the mix are yearlings by exciting newcomers such as Grey’s Inn, Black Minnaloushe, Go Deputy, Eyeofthetiger, Albert Hall and Daylami. Selected progeny of internationally renowned stallions like Rock Of Gibraltar, Elusive Quality and Singspiel complete a catalogue that reflects considerable variety. BSA’s Sales Manager Caroline Simpson is as always on hand to attend to queries and she reminded buyers to participate in the 2011 Added Bonus Scheme Programme by “ticking the box” on the vendor roll at the time of purchasing.

The entry levy of R500 will qualify buyers for R890 000 in added stakes, spread over 14 Juvenile Feature races in 2011. Catalogues can be obtained from BSA’s Head Office at Gosforth Park, or by phoning 011-323 5700. The catalogue can also be viewed online at www.tba.co.za