Some racehorses are bought after months of pedigree research and careful planning. Choisaanada's story began with something far simpler. Willie de Koker spotted an unnamed yearling standing outside the sales ring during the 2023 National Yearling Sale, turned to the love of his life, Bella Lombard, and told her he was going to buy the horse. Three years later, that instinctive decision has taken the couple to the Durban July, where the horse they chose together now stands among the country's elite - albeit via a late entry in the race described by many knowledgeable people as one the strangest decidions to leave a horse out of a July field in modern memory. 

De Koker recalls the moment vividly. The colt, catalogued as Lot 383, immediately caught his eye before he had even entered the sales ring.

"It was quite a late lot, number 383, and he had no name. He was a beautiful individual standing outside the ring. I looked at Bella and said, 'I'm going to buy the horse.' She asked why, and I said, 'Just look at that beautiful horse.'"

As the bidding unfolded, De Koker sought one final opinion from friend Kobus Roux, who was seated beside him.

"I asked Kobus to look at the horse's legs. He said they were straight. The bidding got to R160,000, stopped, and I raised my hand again at R180,000. That was it. I got the horse."

A Horse Bought For Bella

For De Koker, the purchase represented far more than adding another horse to the stable. It became something he and Bella would build together from the very beginning.

After securing the colt for R180,000, Bella chose the name Choisaanada, a decision that still resonates deeply with De Koker.

"Bella named the horse Choisaanada, which is a beautiful name for me. I get emotional just thinking about it."

The next important decision was selecting the right trainer. De Koker entrusted the colt to Erico Verdonese, a move he believes laid the foundation for everything that followed.

"I told Kobus I was sending the horse to Erico and he said, 'No problem.' Even Connie Strydom phoned me after his first run and told me I'd put the horse with the right trainer who would take him through the stages."

Belief Turned Into Results

Choisaanada quickly justified the faith shown in him. One performance, in particular, convinced the ownership team they had an exceptional racehorse on their hands.

"When Raymond Danielson won by 12 lengths and looked over his shoulder, he thought it was a false start."

The colt's rise gathered momentum as he swept the Winter Series, winning over 1400m, 1600m and 1800m to secure the R500,000 bonus. De Koker revealed that completing the treble required complete confidence in both horse and trainer.

"Erico looked at me and asked, 'What now?' I said, 'You must enter the horse for all three legs of the Winter Series. We're going to win it.' He doubted the 1800 metres, but that's exactly what happened."

That achievement marked another milestone in a journey that had started with nothing more than an instinctive purchase at a yearling sale.

A Dream Within Reach

Now Choisaanada heads to Greyville with an opportunity to contest South Africa's greatest race, while De Koker stands on the brink of a personal milestone.

"I'm standing on 49 wins in my career as an owner. It would only be a pleasure on Saturday if my 50th can be the July."

For Bella Lombard, the emotion surrounding Choisaanada's place in the field extends well beyond racing success. She described the phone call from Verdonese confirming the horse's place in the race as one she will never forget.

"When Erico phoned to tell me that Choisaanada was going to run in the Durban July, it was an electrifying mix of emotions - pure adrenaline, validation and breathtaking anxiety."

She said watching Choisaanada, a Sandown born and raised gelding, walk onto the Greyville track will be a moment filled with pride.

"Seeing Choisaanada step onto the biggest stage at Greyville Racecourse will bring a tightening in my chest, coupled with the undeniable rush of knowing my champion is ready to take on the best. It is the deep pride of knowing my horse's grit and class have earned a prestigious spot amongst the best thoroughbreds in the country."

For most owners, a Durban July runner represents the pinnacle of racing achievement. For Willie de Koker and Bella Lombard, it is also the continuation of a story that began with a simple conversation at a yearling sale, a shared belief in an unnamed colt, and a purchase that has become far more valuable than the R180,000 paid for him. Whatever happens at Greyville, Choisaanada has already become part of their life's story.

Image: JC Photos