Summerhill Stud hosted a group of international press from leading Thoroughbred publications world wide, including the likes of the Racing Post, Bloodhorse and TDN amongst others last week.
The internationally renowned group of journalists from across all corners of the globe, lead by South Africa’s leading international photo journalist Liesl King, were in town for the Vodacom Durban July and were treated to an evening at Hartford House, with the stallion parade the next day.
Mick Goss of Summerhill presented four stallions for show – the handsome son of Western Winter, Capetown Noir, followed by Dubawi’s only Gr1 winning son at stud in the southern hemisphere – the glowing golden Willow Magic, followed by the elegant Gr1 winning son of Dynasty, Act Of War, and finishing with dual Gr1 producing Brave Tin Soldier, looking an absolute picture in midwinter with a bronzed fine coat.
Capetown Noir’s first crop will be yearlings this coming August, producing quality balanced youngsters that stand over ground. Act Of War and Willow Magic will have their first foals arriving this coming season, whilst Brave Tin Soldier, one of the best bred stallions in the country and a world record priced foal in his day, is the sire of juvenile Gr1 winners Rabada and Brave Mary – the latter sold last week to Team Valor.
Mick Goss took the opportunity to discuss South Africa’s stringent export controls currently in place and reinforced the importance of allowing South Africa to export our horses overseas to compete. Our South African-bred horses have proved their worth each year in strong international racing fields from America to Dubai and England and Hong Kong, achieving vast successes from limited numbers represented. With the downward economic climate currently being experienced in South Africa, opening the borders would also provide much needed job creation for South Africa.
Thank you to Summerhill for hosting an outstanding day once again at their exclusive Tijnhuis, a sumptuous lunch and a traditional Zulu dance from an award winning dance troup, along with an outstanding range of gin on offer!
Scenes from the day below:
