Willem Ackerman has reinforced his international bloodstock strategy with the purchase of two horses at Tattersalls, both scheduled to arrive in South Africa in January. The move follows the success of UK-bred The Equator and the reverse export of Tossed Salad from South Africa to France, underlining Ackerman’s growing global outlook.

The headline acquisition is Deepone (pictured), a son of Study Of Man (by Deep Impact), who arrives with established black-type credentials. He captured the Grade 2 Beresford Stakes and later added the Listed Concorde Stakes, with his most recent win coming on soft ground in October shortly before heading through the sales ring.

Joining him is Calla Lagoon, by New Bay, the same sire as top-class performer Bay Bridge. Calla Lagoon had been racing in Class 1 company in the UK and was a recent second prior to his export, bringing solid form and a pedigree well suited to middle-distance racing.

Together, the two purchases reflect a targeted approach by Ackerman, focusing on proven European form and pedigrees capable of making an impact in South African racing.