Scott Bros Total Dispersal Sale – End Of An Era
Tuesday was a sad day in the history of KZN (and South African) racehorse breeding, as Scott Bros held their Total Dispersal Sale. Scott Bros got off to a start early in the game 52 years ago, with the likes of the brilliant Politician getting the Scott Bros on the map.
Robin recalled how at the time they had purchased his dam Ofa, the most expensive mare to be imported to SA at the time and how they sent her to a waining stallion on very good pedigree advice – an amusing incident, when Robin phoned Des and made the suggestion that was proposed, Des answered “I thought Oligarchy was dead!”.
The nick worked and produced the mighty chestnut, who sold for just R5 000 as a yearling. Robin said it was the best R5 000 he had ever received, as the horse brought a lifetime of branding for the Scott Bros.
The Scott Bros have produced so many Group Winners over the years that they have literally lost count – also, a little known story is that Robin actually bred a winner at Royal Ascot named Cutting Blade, a stallion that later went to stud in England. Both Robin and Des Scott have significant success and have no doubt had a major influence on the stud book today – just two years ago, Des bred and raced Rivet to Gr1 victory. They have since sold the Fastnet Rock colt to Hong Kong.
They also raced Querari and Quasillo’s brilliant Gr1 winning third dam, and have been behind some of the most significant horses to date – including the damline of Legislate, and importing the dams of Teal, Ipi Tombe, La Fabulous and the unforgettable Devon Air.
Another example is Star Of Arcole bred by Scott Bros, who has brought Varsfontein Stud the likes of Ash Cloud, Fiorella, Princess Of Light and Drill Sargeant.
The Scott Bros have stood South African Champion sires, amongst them Foveros and Jungle Cove, and its fitting that towards the end of an era, The Apache returned “home” to stud. Famously an R80 000 buy off the National 2YO Sale, the son of Mogok crossed the line first in the Gr1 Arlington Million, won a Gr2 in Dubai and took home two Gr1 wins – winning in four countries and earning over R17-million in stakes.
The Apache represents four generations of Highdown blood, starting with fifth dam Lenore, who gave them Leta, and went on to produce the great Bold West – The Apache’s third dam. Mogok has also done them proud, producing American Gr1 winner in the USA, Gypsy’s Warning, and is holding her own at stud producing winners. Scott Bros have also had winners in Hong Kong, Singapore, America, England and Kenya.
Importing mares over the years from the worlds breeding establishments paid off, and in the last few years had Equus Award winners such as The Apache, Wild One and Talktothestars – and as recently as the past Vodacom Durban July, a runner with Matador Man who Robin has retained a share in. The Scott Bros have consistently been in the top 10 of the National Breeders Log for years.
The Scott Bros also have a strong association with Africa’s greatest horserace – tasting success in conjunction with Tony Millard with the great Devon Air and Illustrador after Politician.
Robin Scott remarked last week: “In our 50 years as breeders I’ve seen down cycles like these comes and go, this time things are really bad. It’s linked to the economic situation in the country, but history promises the industry will see good times again. I hope the government can get their troubles solved.”
The top seller was the dam of Gr1 performer and millionaire Matador Man, Sahara (Mogok), who sold in foal to the now Clifton stallion, Crusade. She was knocked down as lot 17 to Gary and Colleen de Klerk’s Summerview Stud for R170 000.
The family was in demand with Sahara’s unnamed weanling filly, lot 78, a full-sister to Matador Man (Toreador), selling to Robinson Racing for R125 000.
Lot 83, a weanling Mogok half-sister to Talktothestars, was knocked down to Coenie De Beer for R80 000.
Crusade relocated to Clifton Stud the day after the dispersal, and will stand for a fee of R20 000 (including R5000 nomination).
Robin and Des Scott donated the beautiful trophy for the KZN Breeders Million Mile, a race they won in 2017 with Matador Man.
We wish Des, Joyce and Robin Scott a happy retirement and all the best for the future.
-extract turftalk.co.za
Images: Candiese Marnewick and Scott Bros
