Snow-capped mountains were evidence of the cold snap that hit KZN this past week, but a beautifully sunny winter's day greeted visitors to Warwick and Karin Render's Bush Hill Stud for their Stallion Day on Sunday.

The purpose of the day was to introduce fellow breeders and prospective clients to their new stallion King's Chapel along with other resident stallions, Mon Sang and Newton.

King's Chapel had 10 wins in New Zealand and Australia over 1200-1600m, and was Horse of the Year at 3, a Champion 3yo and Champion Sprinter/Miler in New Zealand with a Rated Timeform of 123.

At 3, he won the Grade 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas over 1600m, the Grade 1 Telegraph Handicap (1200m), the Grade 1 Weight For Age Stakes (1400m) and the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes over 1400m.

King's Chapel is an eye-catching liver chestnut, substantially built at 16.2 hh. He is an imposing individual, correctly put together with a superb temperament.

Addressing the assembled visitors, Warwick Render said, "Friends and supporters and passionate breeders, we've seen some tough times, but it is cyclical and following a downturn, there lie new opportunities.

"It is interesting to see breeders investing in quality yearling fillies and mares and with the foresight that good times will return. We need to continue to do what we do so well and continue to breed to quality stock."

He added that it was not necessary to send the best mares to be covered out of the province but to rather support the local industry.

"We have the best line-up of young stallions with potential in this province, and if they are supported, they will be given the opportunity to become great."

For more information on King's Chapel, click on his Stallion Profile