Following in the footsteps of other top South African studs who have shelled serious money on proven overseas sires like Trippi, Avontuur Stud has announced the purchase from Coolmore Australia of Oratorio the Group One winning son of Danehill. Describing the negotiations as “a nail biting few weeks” Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh was obviously ecstatic over the purchase which is yet another coup for South African breeding It was only after a whirlwind visit by Avontuur owner Michael Taberer to Coolmore in Australia, that the deal was finally stamped.

Although he will only be arriving in SA in January 2013, plans to introduce him to the market and fill his book, are kicking off immediately. Says Michael; “When I met him I knew he would be perfect for us and the country as a whole! He is incredibly laid back and a real charmer and will be an asset to Avontuur’s breeding plans as well as add to the quality pool of South African thoroughbreds.”

Oratorio was Champion 2yr old colt in France in 2004 and a top rated 3yr old in Ireland in 2005 winning from 9.5-10.5f. He won 5 races at 2 and 3 years and £1,085,279 including winning the Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes at three emulating the feats of Sadler’s Wells and Giants Causeway. His other successes included the Gr.1, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-Grand Criterium, Longchamp, Gr.1, Galileo EBF Futurity, Curragh, Gr.2 and Anglesey Stks, Curragh, Gr.3. He was placed 6 times including second in Dewhurst Stks, Newmarket, Gr.1, Irish 2000 Guineas, Curragh, Gr.1, Phoenix S., Curragh, Gr.1 and third in St James's Palace S York

At stud Oratorio has been very impressive, his first two crops included two Group 1 winning two year old and the winner of the Group 2 Queensland Guineas and the listed $1 million Gold Coast Magic Millions Guineas

Pippa was particularly effusive over the faith shown in the syndicate she put together for Oratorio.

“The syndicate consists largely of the existing shareholders in our champion Var and considering that Oratorio will arrive in South Africa only after the Australian breeding season is over these investors will have to wait an entire year before he can start working. But I will start filling his book early and with such a mighty pedigree and stud records, I will be surprised if by this time next year Oratorio does not have a full book.”

Oratorio

Bay 2002 15.3 hh
Danehill - Mahrah
Distance won over: 1200 to 2000m.

A proven Gr.1 sire

A Gr.1 winning 2-y-o, Oratorio was also a dual Gr.1 winner of the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes at 3. The same double completed by So You Think and champion sires Sadler’s Wells and Giant’s Causeway.

His first two Australian crops include exciting Gr.1 winner Manawanui, Gr.1 winning 2-y-o Banchee and Torio’s Quest, winner of the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas and Listed $1 Million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.