Vaal Double For Graystone Broodmare Apple Fair

In a double for St John Gray as breeder, owner and trainer – his grey broodmare Apple Fair (by Fine Edge out of Apples Of Gold(IRE) by Gods Walk) produced two winners at the Vaal yesterday – both full sisters by Sarge.

The first win of the day came from the second race with four year old Apple Tart winning over 1400m under Gavin Lerena. Taking home the maiden plate by almost two lengths – Jade Vine (Argonaut), Antonia Major (Antonius Pius) and Phantom Bid (Daring Bid) placed behind her. This is the first win for Apple Tart who has been knocking on the door for victory – with eight previous places and finishing just a nose off in her prior start to Classy Looker (by Mogok).

Her three year old full-sister, aptly named Strudel, won the fourth race by over a length with Francois Naude on board from Sausalito Bay (Trippi), Crystal’s Revenge (Dynasty) and Supa Sammi (Sarge) over 1400m. From five starts, this is her first win – she has placed previously over a 1000m at the Vaal.

Apple Fair, pictured above with her 2012 Call To Combat filly at Hadlow Stud, has now achieved a 100% record of nine runners and nine winners. She is also the dam of Apple Princess (by Announce), a seven-time winner who also placed in the Camellia Stakes Gr.2 and Magnolia Handicap Gr.3. Apple Princess has also retired as a broodmare to Hadlow Stud for St John Gray.

This immediate dam-line includes the likes of last year’s Equus Champion Broodmare Golden Apple – the dam of 2012 Vodacom Durban July winner Pomodoro, Golden Chariot, Quest For Gold and Autumn Gold.

Congratulations to St John Gray as well as Cathy and Jonathan Martin of Hadlow Stud where the mare stands.