“I am always thinking about jobs and the economy. The racehorse business is the seventh biggest business industry in the country, it attracts international investment to South Africa and provides a lot of jobs. Having grown up poor, this is important for me and I think it makes breeding and the horse racing business very important.”
The words of international golfing legend Gary Player sum up his commitment to South African horseracing and a spokesman for Gary Player Stud was quick to reassure the Sporting Post that the whispers about the Black Knight’s rumoured exit from the game were untrue.
Gary Player – plans
“Yes, this magnificent farm is on the market and being the desirable property that it is, with its’ world-class infrastructure, it will appeal to a diverse range of farming interests. We are looking at relocating to Plettenberg Bay, where Mr Player already owns property and to give us readier access to the top-class stallions in the Western Cape,” said the spokesman.
Gary Player, who turned a youthful 81 last month, acquired the farm in 1974.
The choice of the estate near Colesberg proved to be a master stroke.
The natural Karoo veld is renowned for its rich trace elements and high calcium content, ideal for growing strong boned and resilient athletes. With several hundred acres of mixed pasture under irrigation, the Gary Player Stud is ideal for breeding thoroughbreds
The Stud has been the stomping ground of world record equine athletes since 1883.
The Ellis family bred numerous champions and stud book dynasties at Rietfontein including Prestisimo, Hey Presto, Magic Charm, Magic Link, Mowgli, Lavonia, Pussmoth, Preston Pam, Pipes of Pam, etc.
The quality of its breeding stock has become acknowledged by the South African and international thoroughbred market.
Gary Player contribution to the quality of the South African stud book is unquestioned and is endorsed by the fact that he is the first South African breeder ever to produce an international Group 1 winner in the USA out of a South African mare – Serena.
The original small band of broodmares produced an average 12% stakes winners per crop including Pinehurst, World Over, Foreign Source, Kadarko, Foolish Pride, My Advantage, Derby Way, Creator, Superwood, Lady Windermere, Supper Club, Sangria Girl, Madrisa, Chave De Oura and others.
From only three mares at stud in America, Gary has bred three stakes winners including Gr1 Broadway Flyer and French Gr3 Cachet Noir.
So good news all round!
