Michael Holmes Bloodstock hosted its annual Super Sale in Kwa-Zulu Natal Thursday. Billed as the annual reduction sale of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, it also featured offerings from a number of the country’s leading owners. There were 50 horses in training catalogued, but nine were late withdrawals.
The sale was topped by Esteco (Arg) (Hennessy), who was knocked down for R400,000. From the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum consignment, the 4-year-old gelding was purchased by Michel Nairac. Esteco, a winner of four of seven career starts, was second in the Gr3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup June 4. He will further his career in Mauritius.
The second-highest priced lot on the day was Bielorruso (Arg) (Orpen) (lot 44). The 5-year-old gelding was purchased by Kwa-Zulu Natal trainer Kumaran Naidoo for R325,000. He has two wins, a second and two thirds in four starts this year.
Safwan (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}), a Gr2 winner who will make his next start in South Africa’s biggest race, the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July, in 10 days time, did not raech its reserve of R300,000. The 5-year-old gelding was expected to be one of the highlights of the sale.
Complete results are available at www.mhbloodstock.co.za
