TBA Press Release: A number of people have been speculating about the TBA’s position in the industry given the hype over this week’s Cape Sale at the Cape Town Convention Centre.

The TBA, through its marketing arm, BloodStock SA, is the Manchester United of the bloodstock industry and has performed with the same consistency over many decades. Breeders have celebrated on many occasions on getting far more money than they expected at our Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale so it’s somewhat disappointing that several of the top studs have elected to send so many of their choice youngsters to the Cape.

However, we should remind our valued customers, who have always regarded the National Sale as the most important date in the bloodstock calendar, that the list of champions bought on the sale is far greater than Manchester United’s trophy cabinet.

Examples are not hard to find. BOLD SILVANO, winner of the Vodacom Durban July and now on course for the Dubai World Cup in March, cost just R300,000 at the 2008 National Yearling Sale.

Anyone watching TV in recent weeks won’t have been able to avoid the Republican nomination race in the States for which Mitt Romney is the front-runner. He cited in one speech that “it’s imperative to have unity in time of war.”

Some may consider the current situation a “stand-off”, with some breeders heading for the Cape with their yearlings and others confirming their loyalty to the BloodStock SA National Yearling Sale.

Renowned breeder Robin Scott, who has bred numerous champions at his Highdown Stud including The Apache, had this to say in David Mollett’s weekly column in The Citizen. “I have always considered the National Sale as the Premier sale of the country and there is no substitute for this.” “Of course, the big Cape boys have supported the Cape sale and have the stallions to make this successful, but they are relying on overseas buying support which might not happen ………...”

The TBA represents the heart and soul of the industry and our customers can rest assured about the following:

• We will continue to sell classic, well developed quality yearlings at the April National Yearling Sale
• We will continue to do our absolute best for both vendors and buyers
• We have no doubt that you will continue to find champions on the sale who can fly the South African flag high overseas in the same manner as our equine heroes Jay Peg, J J The Jet Plane and Lizard’s Desire to name just three world-class performers.
• Because our horses are very attractively priced within in the world markets, and South African yearlings are unparalleled value for money, the National Yearling Sale has seen an increased number of overseas buyers in recent years and the trend is set to continue despite us not offering a free holiday as well!
• We have a vast loyal local buyer base who have supported our sales over many years and will continue to do so in future.
  Over the years, BloodStock SA, its management and staff, have built up very strong relationships with buyers and vendors alike, something money cannot buy.

We reiterate this statement to those who suggest the TBA’s future is in jeopardy.

The Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale, as hosted by BloodStock South Africa will take place from 27 to 29 April 2012 at the TBA Sales Complex, Gosforth Park.