Brave Tin Soldier gelding Merlin From Berlin has now won three races in a row for his elated owner and KZN Breeders Club Chairman, Ted Hughes.

It was a joyous occasion in particular as Ted’s wife Ruth, who owns the massive horse Paybackthemoney (Marchfield), was a fast finishing 2nd under Anton Marcus.

Just the week before, both geldings met at Hollywoodbets Scottsville and saw the Hughes’ collect their first silver trophy, with Merlin From Berlin taking the KZN Summer Challenge Final over 2000m under Warren Kennedy for a stake of R150 000.

Both horses, Merlin From Berlin and Paybackthemoney are trained by the in form Nathan Kotzen.

Bred by Rupert Plersch, Merlin From Berlin is out of a Fort Wood mare Woodcut – who is a full sister to Limerick – in turn the dam of exports Noah From Goa and the immediate family of Forries Waltz. This is also the family of champion stayer in Europe, Royal Gait. Ted purchased Merlin From Berlin for R35 000 off the 2017 KZN Yearling Sale, and he has earned over R350 000 in stakes.

Ted Hughes is also the owner of sire Golden Sword, who stands at Yellow Star Stud.

At a meeting of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) council, held on the 23^rd May, and following the end of term of office of Mrs Susan Rowett, the council unanimously elected Mr Lee Scribante as the TBA Chairman.

A passionate racehorse owner and breeder, based at his Kwazulu-Natal Piemonte Stud, Lee brings with him a wealth of knowledge, business acumen and solid leadership.

The current TBA council, including Mr Lee Scribante, consists of Mr Eugene Freeman (Vice-Chairman), Mr Rennie Price, Mr Marc Greene and Mr Warwick Render.

In order to clearly define the role of the TBA as a breeder members association, promoting and looking after the interests of all breeders of South African Thoroughbreds, Catherine Hartley has been appointed by the council as the CEO, responsible for all Association matters, not only breed affairs, reporting directly to the council.

For queries or further information, please contact Catherine on 0836401155 or catherine@tba.co.za

Note from the KZN Breeders Club:

Congratulations to Lee Scribante, former Chairman (and current Vice-Chairman) of the KZN Breeders Club and to Warwick Render (Bush Hill Stud), both representing KZN. 

Lee Scribante of Piemonte Stud in Summerveld is passionate about the breed of the Thoroughbred, and his young farm in Summerveld has already produced the likes of Eastern Cape champion Kalamain, Gr3 winner and Eastern Cape champion O Tamara, followed by Gr3 placed Celestina. 

Purchasing top class fillies each year at sales with outstanding pedigrees and racing them himself, they find their way back to the farm for breeding and Piemonte Stud is clearly reaping the rewards at the this early stage. Watch this space for more to come.