The SA auction record holder Horizon started a well-backed 22-10 fancy at Kenilworth on Wednesday but ran downfield in a quiet debut. The race was ironically won by a R25 000 ‘cheapie’.
Racing’s a tough game on most days. There are just no guarantees and as the experts say, horses don’t know what they cost.
The 1200m Maiden Plate that hosted the much anticipated arrival of the most expensive thoroughbred ever sold at auction in this country was eventually won by a R25 000 son of Rock Of Rochelle, named after a fictional Scottish skipper called Para Handy, who races for a partnership that includes Million Dollar Scotsman, Frances Carruthers – one of the truly lucky owners around.
Para Handy is apparently the crafty Gaelic skipper of the Vital Spark, a Clyde puffer (steamboat) of the sort that delivered goods from Glasgow to Loch Fyne, the Hebrides, and the west coast highlands of Scotland in the early 20th century.
Para Handy was bred by Hemel ‘N Aarde and is out of the twice winning Western Winter mare, Bariloche – who raced for Hassen Adams.
The slightly built winner was picked up for just R25 000 by Glen Puller at the CTS March Yearling Sale.
The Candice Bass-Robinson trained Dynasty colt Horizon (originally named Shining Knight) made the headlines when he smashed the South African auction record when knocked down to Mike Bass and top game breeder Piet du Toit for R5.2 million at the CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale in January last year.
While starting a backed 22-10, there were pre race cautionaries from the yard that he could find the 1200m too short – not surprising as he is by former SA Horse Of The Year Dynasty out of a full-sister to Silvano – and, like most newbies, could run green.
He failed to make an impact and ran 12,50 lengths behind.
Big buy! In this flashback to 2015, Mike Bass, Piet Du Toit and Candice Robinson celebrate the handsome colt
Consigned by Maine Chance Farms, the well-bred Horizon was bought by Kuda Insurance for the first time buyer.
The Rustenburg based Du Toit entered the Thoroughbred market with a bang after being introduced to the industry by Kuda Insurance boss Wehann Smith.
A half brother to stakes winner Solapur and three other winners, Horizon is also out of a half sister to GrI winner Sabiango, and his second dam, Spirit Of Eagles, was Germany’s Broodmare Of The Year in 2001.
It was Para Handy’s chance today – Horizon could atone next time over further.
