Situated 15km north west of Wellington, Soetendal Estate is a beautiful property with the backdrop of the Limietberg offering scenic views from all sides.
Founded in 1852, the farm is a National Heritage Site.
Owner Julia Pilbeam has renovated and extended the original buildings to suit her purposes.
With the CTS Ready To Run Sale around the corner, Julia and her team have been hard at work preparing her draft for the sale.
“We’ve been privileged to receive fantastic support from our clients and, as has been the case for the last couple of years, we are proud to be presenting a large draft of forty-three quality horses with some impressive pedigrees,” comments Julia.
Julia’s smashing draft for the upcoming sale includes horses by the established stallions Trippi, Gimmethegreenlight, What A Winter and Querari, as well as Master Of My Fate, Oratorio, Captain Of All, Pomodoro and Twice Over. She also has progeny of the exciting up-and-coming sires Rafeef, Futura and William Longsword.
Julia is also excited about the three two-year-olds by new stallions Royal Mo and Gold Standard, who have impressed her already.
She lists a few of the impressive pedigrees in her 2021 draft:
- A What A Winter half-sister to Champion Sprinter Via Africa (lot 4)
- A William Longsword grandson of Champion Sprinter Val de Ra (lot 12)
- A Pomodoro half-sister to Listed winner Paisley Park (lot 16)
- A Twice Over filly from the immediate family of Jackson (lot 17)
- A Futura half-brother to unbeaten three-year-old Prince Of Fire (lot 26)
- A William Longsword half-brother to Gr2 winner Caralluma (lot 27)
- An Oratorio colt from the immediate family of Legislate (lot 32)
- A Trippi colt out of a Gr3 winning mare (lot 48)
- A three-parts brother to multiple graded race winner Gimme Six (lot 49)
- A Captain Of All colt out of a full sister to Trademark (lot 57)
- A William Longsword colt from the immediate family of Kilindini and Second Base (lot 59)
- A Captain Of All colt out of a full sister to Lizarre (Champion Older Horse in Singapore) (lot 66)
Lot 59 – Love Island (William Longsword x Whatsinakiss)
While Julia says it is difficult to single out any individual based on ability when she represents clients, she assured us that there is plenty of talent in the draft!
“We also have horses on the draft that have never been presented at a sale before, through no fault of their own – so there is a lot of opportunity in our line-up,” she smiles.
The majority of the Soetendal draft have already been to Durbanville for their gallop, and the last few will go next week.
Julia has been happy with what they have shown her, and while some are more forward than others, she prefers to allow them to progress at their own pace.
“The girls and riders at home have been doing a great job this year, and the horses have been sensible and settled at the track,” says Julia of her hard-working staff.
With the sale at Kenilworth racecourse this year, Julia is looking forward to an exciting few days.
“I think the sale being at Kenilworth on the weekend of the sales race will create a great vibe, make for excellent viewing and filming of the gallops, and hopefully attract more buyers to come and see both the gallops and attend the sale,” explains Julia.
Fortunately, many have become accustomed to using the online platforms to bid, which will be available through CTS for this sale. This allows more buyers to bid – even if they may not be able to attend the sales themselves.
“Logistically, it’s been more challenging for us. The horses won’t have seen the Kenilworth course prior to their arrival, but we will take the draft in early on 24 October.
“This will allow them time to settle in there. So our draft will be available for viewing the whole week leading up to the gallops on the 29 October,” she explains.
Julia & her team recently spotted at Durbanville for their gallops
Looking at the upcoming De Grendel CTS Ready To Run Stakes, Soetendal Estate has sold both the 2019 winner (Pure State) and the 2020 winner (Seeking The Stars) – so no pressure!
Looking at what Saturday’s stunning Matchem Stakes winner Seeking The Stars has gone on to achieve, just shows the quality of horse that can be purchased on this sale.
Six horses from the Soetendal 2020 draft are in the top 20 on the latest log, including log leader Whatever Next.
Click here to see the latest log.
“I believe Whatever Next is coming down from the Eastern Cape for the race, and we’re hoping he doesn’t find the 1400m a bridge too far, but we’ll be rooting for all our graduates!” she says enthusiastically.
Julia and her team invite any prospective buyers to make an appointment to visit the farm to view the draft before the sale. That’s anytime during the next two weeks!
Contact Julia for any enquiries regarding more information or videos of specific lots: 082 317 9474 or [email protected]
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