Bush Hill-raised Seal Takes The Gr 2 Gold Vase

Seal, born and raised at Bush Hill Stud for breeder Dr Ian Heyns, won the Grade 2 Mango Gold Vase over 3000m on Vodacom Durban July day.

Seal returned to a marathon trip for the first time since his Grade 1 S.A. Derby victory last year, regaining his form with a comfortable win. In Writing (ARG) stayed on for second ahead of Kolkata and Ilsanpietro (BRZ).

The son of Silvano has been entered into the 3200m Grade 1 Ladbrokes’ Gold Cup on 28 July at Greyville, for a R1-million at Greyville once again.

Seal was a R210 000 yearling graduate from the 2009 Sibaya Yearling Sale. His dam Prestine Performer has produced three runners and two winners including Seal and a colt by Miesque’s Approval named The Who. The Who won at the Vaal recently over 2400m and placed three times from just eight starts for trainer Brett Webber. The Who is still owned by Dr Ian Heyns.

Seal is a six-time winner including the S.A. Derby Gr 1 and Wolf Power Listed and takes his earnings to just over R1,5 million.

Warwick Render of Bush Hill Stud tells us an interesting story behind Seal’s pedigree. “This is a family that has always been close to Dr Heyns’ heart as Seal’s third dam Tarrytown was one of the first mares he acquired. He went on to breed the grand-dam Pure Crystal and from her he bred Prestine Performer. He also bred and kept a full-sister to Pure Crystal in Cherry Lane and she in turn produced the stakes winning Ultra Vires, who was also bred and raised at Bush Hill for Dr Heyns. It is great to see how Seal has vindicated Dr Heyns’ faith in this family.”

This dam-line includes Bold Black-Types such as Keen Observer, Newtown, ARCSA Champion 3YO in 1979, Horse of the Year & Champion Older Horse in 1980 Quarrytown, J&B Met winner Polo Classic, Face North and Grade 1 SA Oaks winner Laura.

Congratulations to breeder Dr Ian Heyns, Gavin Van Zyl and owners Afrilek Drives (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mr Grant Douglas).