CTS first session flirts with R50-mil

NEAR R50 million changed hands on the first day of the 2012 Cape Premier Yearling Sale held at the International Convention Centre, inner city Cape Town.

This is up 13% on the first session of 2011 and the organisers of the sale were over the moon on Thursday evening.

Kevin Sommerville, Marketing Manager of Cape Thoroughbred Sales (CTS), told freeracer: “We are delighted with the figures and participation from international buyers was very good. Team Valor and Shadwell bought as usual, but also this time we had the likes of Terry Finlay and Kip Elser from West Point Thoroughbreds, Tina Rau from Germany, Anthony Straud from the UK and Liam Mulryan from Ireland bidding actively.”

Top lot was a colt by Trippi from Destination Mars, consigned by Highlands and knocked down to Form Bloodstock for R1,7 million.

The average price paid per foal (122 of 150 lots sold), was R407,582.

The sale continues on Friday.

Photo: Gaynor Rupert of Drakenstein Stud and friend Gary Player, seen at CTS on Thursday.