MEDIA ROOM
AVONTUUR-BRED REGAL RANSOM IN SURPRISE WIN!
3 May 2010
Regal Ransom confounded his critics on Saturday at Turffontein when the 4-year old justified his trainer, Sean Tarry’s belief in his abilities, by winning the Gr 1 Champions Challenge over 2000 m.
In a tight finish, and well handled by jockey Brandon Lerena, Regal Ransom snared front-runner at the time, Rudra, on the line!
Sean now has his sights set on the Vodacom Durban July, where we hope to see this determined racehorse win against quality opposition.
According to Pippa Mickleburgh, GM at Avontuur Estate, the win was a wonderful surprise to all as he’s always been a decent horse, but now the character from his great forefather and Avontuur’s long-time stallion, Dominion Royale, seems to be coming through. “We wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him on the track in Natal at the end of July,” she said.
AVONTUUR PERFORMS WELL IN TOUGH SALE
30 April 2010
 Pippa Mickleburgh receives Avontuur’s award for Gr 1 winner, Villandry, from TBA Chairman, Adv Altus Joubert at the Awards ceremony at Emperor’s Palace on Thursday evening before the sale started. |
Avontuur Estate ended up in the Vendor List top 10 again with a sixth spot on aggregate for the 2010 National Yearling sale which took place last weekend at Gosforth Park in Johannesburg. “It was a tough but solid sale with the top end of the market very active, but the middle market soft,” said GM Pippa Mickleburgh on her return to the Estate yesterday. “With the sales average up against last year at R326 378 per horse, the sale compared very positively against the rest of the world where the global financial crisis had a negative impact. The SA record was broken twice, first with a price of R3.6 million and then with the highest of the sale at R4 million.” All 19 of Avontuur’s horses were sold with the top price of R1.2 million being paid for Jeter by Markus Jooste and trainer Charles Laird. Other purchases were made by long-time supporters Mike de Kock, Mike Azzie, Vaughan Marshall, Joey Ramsden, Graham Beck, Spike Lerena, Dom Zaki, Alec Laird, Ron Boon, Jehan Malherbe and John Freeman. First-time Avontuur buyers were Des Edges, Bart Rice, David Rahilly and April Gillespie. |
VAR support was solid throughout with a top price of R1.9 million and a sales average of R301 400 which gave supporters a very good return on the service fee of R35 000.
Back at the Estate near Stellenbosch, a satisfied Ms Mickleburgh extended her thanks and that of the whole operation to the purchasers as well as the total team at the farm and at the Sale.
 Avontuur Grooms at the Avontuur Stable Block in Johannesburg. |
 Yearlings taking a bit of exercise in the sunshine! |
AVONTUUR VIEWING DAY PRESENTS QUALITY CROP
11 April 2010
| More than 120 guests from the racing and breeding fraternity enjoyed a perfect day of sunshine, fast horses, fine wines and gourmet dishes at Avontuur last Thursday, viewing the 2010 crop of 19 yearlings, which will be on offer at the National Yearling Sales in Johannesburg from 23 April. Presented by Stan Elley, the 9 fillies and 10 colts, from leading sires like Jet Master, Captain Al, Silvano and including a substantial offering from Avontuur’s own VAR, were led into the paddock just below the cellar and restaurant on the Estate from 11h00. Generous comments about the quality of the offering was elicited by Stan from experienced horsemen, buyers & trainers amongst the crowd like Mike Bass, Jehan Malherbe and Hassan Adams. Stan commented that this seemed to be the best crop ever presented by Avontuur and buyers could look forward to a positive sale if this was what was on offer. After the viewing, Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh highlighted her favourites; Kuja (Lot 18) by Silvano out of Amazon Lily and La Volte (Lot 478) by VAR out of Sarabande . “But with VAR’s offspring like highly rated Villandry and 5-in-a-row winner, Val de Ra, burning up the tracks, we especially look forward to seeing buyers’ reactions on his progeny!,” she said. Avontuur’s Blair Taberer thanked everyone for attending and especially for supporting Avontuur so loyally over the years at the Sale and hoped that this year’s would be no exception. Sexy electronic girl band, Coda performed during lunch where buyers, breeders, trainers, Gold Circle top brass, staff and media relaxed on the terrace outside the restaurant to watch the sun set over the Helderberg. |
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 The Fillies were paraded first in front of an appreciative crowd at Avontuur’s viewing day on the farm on Thursday, 8April 2010.  Guests enjoyed Avontuur hospitality after the viewing. Seen here from left to right is Luella and Mike Robinson with Lindy White.  Well-known visitors included Avontuur-sponsored jockey MJ Byleveld, here seen with Ingrid Stewart, Pippa Mickleburgh and Mike Stewart. |
VAL DE RA WINS 5 IN A ROW!
5 April 2010
Easter weekend started off auspiciously for Avontuur and VAR’s incredible three-year-old daughter, Val de Ra, when she was unbeaten after five starts in the listed KwaZulu Natal Stakes over 1000 m at Greyville on Friday night.
She beat serious contender Comet Chaser, this weekend and she’s already being talked about as “SA’s best sprinter, male or female”!
 Val de Ra and jockey Alec Forbes cross the finish in Durban on Friday night. |
Ridden by new pilot, Alec Forbes and trained by leading trainer in Natal, Dennis Drier, the filly once again showed why she’s a rising star. Commented her breeder and general manager of Avontuur Estate, Pippa Mickleburgh: “Alec told me after the race that she was relaxed and calm in this new situation although she had never participated in a night race before, but when she took off there was only one thing in her mind, and that was to win!” |
Pippa said that the next offspring from Val de Ra’s dam, Minelli would be a Caesour colt named Tevez after the goal-scoring Manchester United football star.
Avontuur Stud’s Yearling crop is available for a viewing on Thursday, and will leave for the national sale in Joburg on the weekend of the 9th. Pippa will be open for business at Gosforth Park on the 14th and look forward to seeing all interested buyers there.
VAR SON WINS AT VAAL
31 March 2010
| Son of VAR, Lochlorien romped home yesterday on the sand track at the Vaal, in the feature race, the Riverside Handicap over 1450 m. Under the tutelage of trainer Mike Azzie and ridden by J P van der Merwe, he managed to beat the opposition by 2.75 lengths in this listed race. Commented Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh “He was raised on Avontuur but bred for our very good friend and UK-based client, Judy Brannigan and we therefore always feel particularly proud of his achievements.” |
 Owner Judy Brannigan with Lochlorien at the National Yearling Sale in 2008. |
In addition to the excitement generated by the Gauteng win this week, the whole Avontuur team is holding thumbs for Val de Ra’s race in Kwa Zulu Natal this weekend! “It’s the listed Natal Stakes over 1000 m at Greyville on Friday and we’re hoping our VAR filly can hold her own again. She’s going for her 5th win in a row and with trusted trainer Dennis Drier behind the scene and jockey Alex Forbes on her back, we believe she’ll show what she’s made of,” says Pippa.
VAR'S NEW STAR VAL DE RA IS PURE..... POETRY IN MOTION
16 March 2010
The very first Var foal ever born on the beautiful Avontuur Stud was always destined to be something very special. The fairytale had its’ origins in Zimbabwe where the late Tony Taberer acquired her well-performed granddam, Lupin. The six-time winning daughter of Tilden won through to the tops and when crossed with the Lyphard stallion Elliodor, produced Minelli. Today we are blessed with a rising star by the name of Val De Ra. Amazing how horseracing has a knack at times of turning apparent science into romance!
It is often said that good things happen to good people. I am thus hardly surprised that Pippa Mickleburgh and the Taberer family have found yet another star to carry the proud Avontuur banner. One of the longest standing and well-established associations in South African breeding, the Mickleburgh and Taberer partnership dates back thirty years and has always been at the forefront of breeding in this country. Even after the enormous vacuum left by the sad passing in 2007 of their longstanding flag-bearer Dominion Royale, the Avontuur team have quickly bounced back and the new ‘Man-About-Town’ Var has made an early impact. Awarded Champion Freshman Sir in 2009, he has shown already that he has everything that it takes to produce the goods on the track. Val De Ra broke the Scottsville class record on her first track appearance at Scottsville and has since retained her unblemished record with four dazzling victories. She looks destined for greatness.I asked Pippa how the filly, who got her name from the chorus of the well-known song of many moons ago, The Happy Wanderer, had come to be: “ There was no real science or firm plan behind the mating of Var to Minelli, to be honest. The mating looked good on paper and we wanted Var to have a flying start with good race mares, so Minelli was an obvious choice. I was pretty convinced it would work as she is also a very roomy and scopey mare. The birth of the very first Var at Avontuur was greeted with much excitement and if we only knew then what we know now!”,she said with obvious pride.
Pippa went on to explain that they had bred and raced Minelli “ It is a really super family and with the Bold Ruler x Lyphard cross it was bound to work. We prayed for a filly and were thrilled when Minelli arrived. We never even thought about not keeping her and she went into training with David Ferraris. She did very well winning four races with a best effort being a fifth to Ipi Tombe in the SA Fillies Guineas in 2002. A knee injury eventually forced us to retire her to stud. She has been a loyal servant and a super mare having already produced Mastery(4 wins) and Mitra(5wins including a group race).”
The filly was catalogued to be sold at the National Yearling Sales but the gods were in Avontuur’s corner and after passing out unsold at a highest bid of R350 000 late on the last night, she was back on the float to her piece of paradise in the Boland. “ We had had a cracker of a Sale by then and were way over our budget, so I decided to stick to our agreed reserve and let fate take a hand, as at that stage we had not retained any Vars for ourselves to race. So lady luck smiled on us and we kept her,” she said with a broad smile.
The story of how Val De Ra landed up at Dennis Drier’s Summerveld yard is an interesting one and flies in the face of the perceived cut-throat image of racehorse trainers in a competitive world. When it was time to go into training, Pippa says that she rang champion equine ambassador and top trainer Mike De Kock for advice and guidance as to where one would send a potentially nice sprinting filly in KwaZulu- Natal. The always professional De Kock had no hesitation in pointing Pippa in Dennis Drier’s direction- in spite of the fact that Mike probably could have made space in his own yard just around the corner. A true gentleman.
As for the future, Pippa says that they are not in a hurry and she has every confidence in Dennis Drier’s judgement and patience: “ It is still early days but we are very confident that if we take it easy, she will get us to Group 1 level and, who knows, perhaps an overseas campaign? For now she runs in early April again then her main mission is the SA Fillies Sprint at Scottsville. But Dennis is in charge and has done nothing wrong so we will leave it his capable hands,” she said. Pippa said that the biggest thrill for the entire Avontuur team was the fact that it was so rewarding to see people with emotions when witnessing a good horse: “ She has moved many people to tears and the punters love her in KZN. This country needs heroines but she has still got to get there! She has a wonderful outlook on life, is a real lady and is born to run. This part of her career comes so easy to her. She really is ‘poetry in motion’. This is also a very tough business and Var needed another good one just to remind the public that he is still around. Much patience is required to make a stallion and to cement his future in the industry. Val de Ra has lifted the Var name up in lights again and we are most grateful to her,” she said.
VAR IS LEADING SIRE ON AVERAGE AT EQUIMARK SALE
16 March 2010
Last weekend’s 2010 Equimark Vintage Yearling sale once again proved VAR’s worth as a sire when he came out tops on average sale value at R235 000!
 VAR colt, Variety Club, at the 2010 Equimark Vintage Sale in March 2010. |
With three sales to his credit, the second highest price paid on the day and the top priced colt of the sale at R425 000 for Variety Club (Lot 425), out of La Massine from Beaumont Stud bought by leading Cape based trainer Joey Ramsden, VAR's untarnished reputation was upheld. Two VAR fillies, Lot 79 went for R180 000 to Charles Laird and Lot 127 for R100 000 to Martin Wickens, both from leading vendor Litchfield Stud. |
The sale average was unchanged at R86 425 and trade was up with the overall sale perceived as positive in a very difficult economic market.
“This event is always a good indication of what to expect at the national sale in Joburg in a month’s time, and this bodes well for Avontuur – and specifically for the VAR progeny we are taking up to the Highveld with us, ” says Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh. “As usual, Avontuur is presenting the cream of our crop at Gosforth Park and look forward to welcoming all serious buyers to our pavilion!”
VAL DE RA GIVES GOOSIES!
15 March 2010
AVONTUUR-bred filly Val De Ra, by VAR, is one of those rare thoroughbreds that gives one gooseflesh when she runs.
The Denis Drier-trained speed machine, more than once described by jockey Sean Cormack as “a superstar”, took a jump in class to win a Conditions Sprint over 1000m against older fillies and mares at Clairwood on Sunday. She beat 2009 Nursery winner Spring Clover and 2009 Magnolia Handicap winner Purple Lake at level weights, and in great style, quickening in a flash at the 200m mark.This was Val de Ra’s fourth win in a row and she remains unbeaten. Racing fanatics are already asking for a match race with Sean Tarry’s filly Mana Mou, who seems the only one capable of giving Val de Ra a run for her money on what we’ve seen so far.
Cormack said: “This was her first ime at the course and she was off the bit at the 900m mark. (It didn’t look that way!). When I asked her for something extra she responded immediately.” Then, the Singapore-bound jock seemed at a loss for superlatives.
Drier, who has trained many a good one in his time, commented: “People thought this was a foregone conclusion but she did have to race against a top sprinter like Kom Naidoo’s Purple Lake. We are very pleased.”
Avontuur Stud’s Pippa Mickleburgh said that they had wanted a three-year-old to come through for their stallion VAR and that this was a special moment: “We know what VAR is capable of and he showed it here. We have 20 on offer at the National Yearling Sale and this is very exciting!”
VAR PROGENY SHINE ON THE TRACKS
11March 2010
Avontuur’s champion sire VAR and his progeny had a very good start to the month with 4 wins last week on tracks around the country. Top performer was Val de Ra, who took the R85 000 UK Soccer 4 Conditions race over 1000 m at Clairwood on the 7th. This filly, ridden on Sunday by Sean Cormack, trained by Dennis Drier and owned by Avontuur, has now had 4 wins from 4 starts!Another great performance came from Esterel, ridden by Francois Naude to a win in the R135 000 Bauhinia Handicap over 1000 m at the Vaal on Saturday.
Commented Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh: “With the national sales coming up soon, it’s good news to hear that VAR’s offspring are keeping the flag flying – and Val de Ra especially seems set for great things! For more about the Avontuur yearling crop available for the sale, make sure you are invited to the viewing day on 8April at the farm! We are looking forward to seeing you!”
AVONTUUR GETS LOYAL SUPPORT AT CAPE SALE
After a tough Western Cape Sale last Sunday, Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh reported that she was satisfied with the results achieved in this recessionary times.
“We sold all 5 horses, with top seller Mission House going for R260 000 to Mike Bass on behalf of Marsh Shitliff, who also owns Pocket Power. Mike Azzie was once again a supporter, paying R100 000 for Miravar and Dean Kannemeyer decided on purchasing Boulevard. Last, but not least trainer Spike Verena bought Golden Veil and Havana Beat,” she said.As always Avontuur is incredibly grateful to our trainers and owners, who so loyally support us every year. Next up is the National Sales in Joburg, where Avontuur will have 20 yearlings on sale. Click on Sales to find out more about them.
“But before that, we are planning a viewing on the farm between Somerset West and Stellenbosch on Thursday, 8 April, which as usual will be a mix of great horse flesh, good wine and food and not-to-be missed entertainment. Watch out for your invitations!” Pippa concluded.
AVONTUUR FILLIES GUINEAS FULL OF SURPRISES!
7 December 2009
Thousands of racing fans, celebrities, families and kids and wine lovers were on hand on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth race course in Cape Town to see complete outsider, Field Flower, win the R750 000 Gr 1 Avontuur Fillies Guineas by a large margin in one of the most tightly contested races of the day! The filly, owned by JA Bryant and PG de Beyer, trained by Stephen Page and ridden by Gerrit Schlecter ensured jubilation for her supporters and groans of despair from the large number of punters who didn’t rate her for this race, which was dominated in the totes by favourites like Jet Trail, Townsend, Laverna and My Kazzie.
The race drew interest from across the country with a large contingent traveling down to the Cape from Gauteng and KZN, but the local filly swept the boards!
Further excitement was generated by Race 8 where Pocket Power once again showed his dominance against serious competitors like Big City Life, which bodes well for the rest of the sizzling summer season in the Western Cape.
As usual visitors enjoyed a balmy Cape Town summer day with lots of wine for tasting, great food, décor and music and an extensive complimentary kiddies programme to ensure a relaxing day for parents. Face painting, music, free eats, organized games, jumping castles, a slippy slide and a soccer-themed game, kept kids happy and busy! According to Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh, the day was a huge success and the Estate was once again proud to be part of such a glamorous and festive event!
AVONTUUR RACE DAY PROMISES FREE FUN IN THE SUN!
13 November 2009
Avontuur Estate is gearing up for the first major racing event of the Summer Season in Cape Town with the R750 000 Gr 1 Cape Fillies Guineas which takes place at Kenilworth Race Course on Saturday, 5 December from 12h00.
Hundreds of beautifully dressed guests and many more casual visitors, families and kids are expected to descend on the course for the day - all to celebrate summer and racing in the Cape!
Bring the whole family along and join us on the lawns under the trees next to the parade ring where kids will enjoy hours of free fun and entertainment with jumping castles, slippy slides, games, face painting, free candy floss and much much more - all under the supervision of the experienced team from "Party Tots". The upbeat sounds of the SA Field Band Foundation's Marimba band, which has proved so popular in the past, will liven up the day.
Added to the catering facilities offered by the Race Course itself, are stalls with potato chips & dips, potato's on a stick, coffee and muffins and various ice creams with toppings. Avontuur's usual free wine tastings will keep the spirits up.
For a more up market experience with good food & wine in the Somerset Room and the opportunity to share in the excitement of the day, the Guest Package at only R175 pp can be booked directly with the race course.
However, you can pull out all the stops and book a table for 10 or a few seats for friends in the glamorous Peninsula Room on the 4th floor at Kenilworth which is the setting for this year's VIP experience with a soccer theme! The cost of R275 pp includes panoramic views of the race course, a private bar and lounge area, Avontuur wine and a Mediterranean-styled lunch, a late afternoon selection of cakes and gourmet coffee's by coffee specialists Origin Coffee Roasters, music throughout the day and the chance to chill out with friends and colleagues after a long year's hard work.
After racing, guests are invited to join the team for an after-party for as long as you're able to keep the rhythm going! Dress in the colours or branding of your favourite soccer team - and enjoy Avontuur's hospitality.
For more information on the options to join in the fun, visit Avontuur’s website at www.avontuurestate.co.za or phone Moerieda at 021 855-3450.
VAR AWARDED TROPHY FOR TOP SIRE IN W CAPE
5 October 2009
The Avontuur Estate and Thoroughbred Farm celebrated another win for top-notch sire, VAR, after he won the trophy for Champion Freshman Sire at the Western Cape Racing and Breeding awards last night.
| As if that’s not enough, son of VAR,Villandry was awarded the trophy for the Top Two year old Colt. Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh was thrilled with the awards and said that this once again proved VAR’s quality and standing in thoroughbred circles. “We obviously look forward to many more great moments with this fantastic horse. His achievements in the short time he’s been around, justifies the late Tony Taberer’s decision to purchase him and shows once again Avontuur’s commitment to racing and breeding in South Africa”, she commented. |
 Pippa Mickleburgh, GM of Avontuur Estate with Vaughan Marshall, Villandry’s proud trainer and the Awards handed over at the event. |
AVONTUUR ANNOUNCES INCREASED SPONSORSHIP FOR 2009 FILLIES GUINEAS
7 September 2009
| Avontuur Estate, the thoroughbred stud farm and wine estate between Stellenbosch and Somerset West announced an increased sponsorship for this year’s Grade 1 Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas of R750 000. The race will be run on Saturday, 5 December at Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town. Avontuur general manager, Pippa Mickleburgh, said the increased stake was an incentive for visiting fillies to contest the Avontuur Estate Cape Fillies Guineas. |
 Sparkling Gem wins the 2008 Gr 1 Avontuur Cape Fillies Guineas in fine style! |
“The race is one of the most important on the calendar,” said Mickleburgh. “Through this increase in sponsorship we certainly hope to attract a bigger and better quality field this year, especially from up-country, so that the race gets the recognition it deserves. Not that we have had poor quality winners in the past. This will be our fourth year of sponsorship and in the first year the race was won by Sun Classique, followed by Captain’s Lover and last year Sparkling Gem.”“We put a great deal of effort into our race day, and by doing so we look after our customers and also raise the image of and promote the Avontuur wine and breeding brand. Once again this year’s event will offer lots of free fun in the sun for kiddies and families, we’ll showcase beautiful people in beautiful outfits and we hope to add even more live music to the mix,”, she said
Avontuur currently stands one of the hottest freshman stallions on the block, the son of Forest Wildcat, Var, who has had an exceptional first season. The Estate regularly produces prize-winning wines which are available for tasting and for sale from the cosy tasting room and the Estate Restaurant which is open daily, has a popular following in the winelands amongst foreign visitors and locals alike.
“We would not have been able to increase the stake without this additional sponsorship from Avontuur. This indicates Avontuur’s commitment to thoroughbred horseracing, and we are proud to be associated with such a prestigious and successful brand,” said Gold Circle’s Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Hawkins.
AVONTUUR-SPONSORED JOCKEY SHINES AT JULY
The Avontuur team would like to congratulate Greg Cheyne for a spectacular performance at the Vodacom Durban July on Saturday, 4 July in Durban. Not only did he ride Cape Town horse, Big City Life to a spectacular win against a champion and the favourite for the race, Pocket Power, but also went on the win the Gr 1 Garden Province Stakes on Lady Windermere, both for trainer Glen Kotzen.Although not wearing Avontuur branding in these races, Greg made us proud to be associated with him and his incredible day of victories! We are sad about “losing” him to Hong Kong racing later in the year, but will always cherish the months working with him, on the racing and wine sides of the business.
Good luck for the rest of your time in South Africa, Greg! And best wishes for you and your family’s new life in the far east.
VAR PROGENY WIN OVER LONGER DISTANCE
20 June 2009
Two VAR progeny proved their liking for the 1300m at Greyville on Friday evening with speed queen Val de Ra beating her counterparts very easily and the highly rated colt, August Rush, pulverising his rivals over the same distance.
Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh is elated with the news. “ This should now finally put the rest the choir of sceptics about the VAR’s not able to win over a longer distance” she said. “I am very proud of them both and VAR is now firmly established as the boom sire of the year. His 2009 stud fee was announced at R60 000 last week and his book is closed and full at 110 mares. During the annual charity auction held in Robertson on the Friday night, a service to him for 2009 was auctioned off for a very healthy R90 000 to Highlands Farms. All in all, a good night for Avontuur and VAR.”
The next exciting outing for the Avontuur team is the Gr 1 race on July day, where August Rush is expected to outperform the rest of the field again.
VAR SIRES HIS FIRST GROUP 1 WINNER
31 May 2009
It was celebration time all around for the Avontuur team at Scottsville yesterday when son of VAR, Villandry silenced all his detractors with a stunning win over 1200 metres in the Gr 1 Gold Reef Resorts Medallion. The two year old gelding by VAR out of Amazon Lily was ridden by Felix Coetzee and trained by Vaughan Marshall.
The celebrations continued when Avontuur-sponsored champion jockey, Greg Cheyne in his new Avontuur-branded gear, streaked across the line on Lady Windermere in the Gr 1 SA Fillies Sprint over 1200 m.“We’ve had a wonderful day’s racing, with three reasons to celebrate” said Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh. “ The Villandry win ensures VAR’s place as the leading first season sire and he’s now won 4 out of 6 starts which is fantastic news! Another Avontuur-bred VAR filly, Valeta, ran a great race to end up third in a toughly contested Gr 1 Allan Robertson Fillies Championship over 1200 m – and to crown it all - Greg Cheyne showed off our brand in a fantastic race on Lady Windermere earlier today. This is going to be hard to top!”
VAR FILLY BREAKS RECORD ON DEBUT
22 May 2009
| Val de Ra, a chestnut filly by VAR out of Minelli, owned and bred by Avontuur, broke the class record on her debut in the Maiden Juvenile Plate over 1000 m at Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, 20 May. According to Pippa Mickleburgh, Avontuur’s GM, her win over four lengths is quite an achievement and puts VAR now well in front on the first season’s sire’s list with 14 winners to date. Val de Ra was trained by Dennis Drier and ridden by Sean Cormack |
Val de Ra, ridden by Sean Cormack wins at Scottsville. |
AVONTUUR ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF TOP SA JOCKEY
19 May 2009
Avontuur Estate is proud to announce their sponsorship of Champion Jockey Greg Cheyne from May 2009. When announcing the sponsorship, Avontuur General Manager, Pippa Mickleburgh said that the decision was made to further enhance Avontuur Estate’s standing in the racing fraternity locally and internationally.
 Champion jockey, Greg Cheyne with Avontuur’s stallion, VAR in the stables at the Stud farm near Somerset West in the Western Cape. |
“Greg was chosen for the sponsorship due to his incredible track record in SA racing where he is currently third on the SA National Jockey log. He is the Champion Jockey in the Eastern Cape for the 07/08 racing season after also winning the award in 05/06. He is one of the hardest-working jockeys in the country and he is the first jockey in history to own and ride a Group 1 winner, “Emblem of Liberty” in the GR1 Paddock Stakes in January 2009, which proves his commitment to the business of racing!” she says. Greg Cheyne will sport the Avontuur branding for the first time on Saturday, 30 May at the Golden Horse Sprint day at Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg. The day is auspicious for Avontuur’s VAR-bred progeny as some of this year’s juvenile stars like top colt Vacherin, multiple winner Villandry and speedster Valiant might be up against each other in the Gr 1 Gold Medallion over 1200 m. On the same day the fillies are competing in the Allan Robertson Fillies Championship Gr 1 over 1200m where Avontuur-bred My Kazzie by Western Winter is tipped to run a good race and Var’s daughter, Valeta is a talented challenger. |
Greg is enthusiastic about his involvement with the Estate and said that this would give him the opportunity to increase his profile and enable him to do even more of what he loves. “I got into racing because I love sport in general and wanted to make my living in it as a professional. Racing has given me all of that and with this sponsorship I hope to continue doing what I love and give Avontuur Estate the exposure and support the company deserves at the same time. I look forward to a successful partnership and will do everything in my power to promote the brand, both on the stud and wine side,” he said.
“We are hoping that this sponsorship, will provide us an even higher profile in racing circles, especially leading up to the Avontuur Fillies Guineas which takes place on Saturday, 5 December this year,” Pippa says.
“However, Greg wasn’t only chosen for his prowess on the track! He is also a serious wine lover with a higher-than-average knowledge of the fruits of the vine and will be an ambassador for that side of the business as well. When visiting the winery last week for a formal tasting of our wines, he demonstrated a passion for the product which really impressed our wine marketing consultant Cobie van Oort. Greg will be representing Avontuur at many of the winery events as he loves to talk about, taste and enjoy wine,” Pippa concluded.
A FISH FINDS WATER
May 17, 2009
Forest Wildcat Sprinter Var, was certainly a horse that found success where it could be least expected. A $120,000 yearling purchase by Richard O’Gorman at the Keeneland September Sales, Var initially raced in North America but was later moved from there to compete in France, where he was a top class sprinter in 2004 with a win in the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (gr. I) for trainer Clive Brittain the highlight of his career.
However, as good as he was as a racehorse, he looked like a fish out of water as far as a stallion prospect is concerned. A grass sprinter by an American bred son of Storm Cat wasn’t exactly what they generally look for in stallion prospects in Europe and while he was out of a mare by Zilzal, his pedigree was really better placed in North America where ironically, his turf performance (or moderate performance on dirt) precluded commercial respect in that market.
It took some vision to work out where to stand Var as a stallion prospect. He was a superior racehorse with an interesting pedigree and deserved his chance but he suited no market particularly well. In stepped Robin Bruss of Northfields Bloodstock who purchased Var to stand at Avontuur Stud, Cape Town, South Africa. Robin has always placed race performance high on his criteria on indicators of potential stallion success and with a Timeform rating of 124, Var was certainly that. It also helped that he was a smashing individual to look at.
With his first two-year-olds on the track in South Africa this season, Var is now proving himself a revelation at stud in South Africa!
Speaking to Robin, he relayed “He is a very good stallion Byron, and has been sensationally received. I have a lifetime service right for buying the horse for Avontuur and have a 2yo colt of my own which I bred and which is with Michael Azzie, who thinks he may be as good if not better than Vacherin. He is differently bred as his dam is a daughter of Horse of the Year, July & Gold Cup (3200m) winner Devon Air and he looks like he will be a router - big, scopy horse with great action. I’m hoping he is right! The horse is named August Rush.”
Avontuur Stud was owned by the late Tony Taberer, a very wealthy man, and thankfully for all concerned his children are carrying on his stud and wine estate. Robin relayed that Var was by far his favorite horse to the extent that the horse was even brought to the church for his funeral last year. All of this sadly before the merit of Var was known.
Var has sired two stakes winners to date in the shape of Vacherin and Villandry. Vacherin is out of the Golden Thatch mare Golden Treat (an inbreeding to the Thong family) and is starting to make good on his promise of being one of the top speedsters of his generation. Bred by Avontuur’s Pippa Mickleburgh and trained by Mike Azzie he won his first race by 10 lengths in 56 sec (New Course Record) and then won South African Nursery Plate (gr. II) in a canter. Villandry, out of a mare by Complete Warrior, is also a very speedy customer who won the Kenilworth Summer Juvenile Stakes (L) and then the Clairwood Godolphin Barb S (gr. III) both over short distances.
Avontuur General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh has a lot to look forward to with Var, who has a lock on the first season sires Championship for South Africa and looks to challenge for the two-year-old title also. Var is leading the freshman sires table with 13 individual winners and is chasing the current champion sire of two year olds, Captain Al for this year’s championship
A fish out of water has certainly found a worthy home.
VACHERIN GAINS MORE ACCOLADES
8 May 2009
| Avontuur raised son of VAR, Vacherin, continued making his trainer, Mike Azzie proud last night in Johannesburg when he was awarded the trophy for the champion 2-year old Colt at the prestigious 2009 Highveld Awards. Already one of the stars of the track, this juvenile speedster will hopefully be in action again in KZN on the 30th of May. Says GM of Avontuur Estate, Pippa Mickleburgh; "This is one of the races this year I'm really looking forward to with a few of the VAR progeny hopefully taking to the field, which should guarantee us a race to remember!" |  Vacherin's proud group of owners with trainer Mike Azzie, receiving his award in Johannesburg. |
ANOTHER GROUP WINNER FOR VAR!
27 April 2009
Vacherin by VAR out of Golden Treat is starting to make good on his promise of being one of the top speedsters of his generation with another win in The Nursery Group 2 over 1160 m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Bred by Avontuur’s Pippa Mickleburgh, trained by Mike Azzie and ridden by Anton Marcus, he is unbeaten and adds to the hype surrounding VAR’s first crop which now has had 3 feature winners. VAR is leading the freshman sires table with 13 individual winners and is chasing the current champion sire of two year olds, Captain Al for this year’s championship.
“Other exciting news from Turffontein on the same day is that Esterel ran a good fourth in the fillies equivalent The Nursery 1160m. We’re now looking forward to early May where two VAR’s, the top two year old Villandry and the talented Valiant – both bred at Avontuur - will participate in the Umkhomazi Stakes Group 3 over 1200m at Scottsville race course. On the same day in The Debutante Stakes over 1200, VAR has three exciting fillies, Enchanted, Bedouin and Lamorna in the running, for whom we will be cheering,” says Avontuur GM Pippa Mickleburgh.
AVONTUUR HOLDS ITS OWN AT TOUGH SALE
7 April 2009
Avontuur Estate held its own at a very tough 2009 Yearling Sale in Johannesburg with 20 yearlings sold from 21 brought up to the Rand from the Western-cape based Stud. “Sales were down 21% but South Africa didn’t do too badly compared with other sales globally. However, it was a tough one and I can only thank everyone who supported us so generously,” says Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh.
 Mike Azzie, Berthwell Arosi and Pippa Mickleburgh, with top-selling colt, Wilberforce at the 2009 TBA Yearling sales in Johannesburg. |
Avontuur’s top selling yearling was Wilberforce, which went to Mike Azzie for an Avontuur record of R1,6 million. The VAR’s also did extremely well, once again confirming his standing as one of the most exciting stallions operating in South Africa at the moment. Pippa was happy to report that Valmorne, a VAR colt and one of her favourites went for the great price of R1,3 million, the top price for a VAR. “We had sales ranging from R75 000 to R1,6 million from many of the country’s top sires, so we could offer something for everyone,” she said. Buyers ranged from well-known trainers like Mike Azzie, Basil Marcus, Charles Laird, Mike Bass, Dom Zaki, Dennis Drier, Gavin Smith, Yvette Bremner, Barend Botes, Gary Alexander, Vaughn Marshall and Joey Ramsden to owners like Marcus Jooste, Graham Beck, Alf Dickenson and Colin Bird. “Demand for VAR’s progeny is increasing all the time with his book already full for 2009 and a waiting list building up. His service fee will be decided later, but in this tough economic time with a serious global financial crisis facing us all, the support is heartening and we can only be grateful,” Pippa said. |
VAR PROGENY NOTCHES UP ANOTHER WIN
3 April 2009
A spectacular victory of more than 10 lengths in the Racing Express Juvenile Plate over 1000 m at the Vaal on 2 April for another one of Avontuur champion Sire VAR’s progeny Vacherin, was the cherry on top for a very proud Avontuur team at the Yearling Sales in Johannesburg.
“I managed to slip away for a few hours to attend the event at the Vaal race track. He ran an absolutely stunning race and did it in only 56 seconds! This is a tribute to my late friend and mentor, Tony Taberer’s foresight as he made the decision to purchase VAR and breed speed champions in South Africa.” says GM Pippa Mickleburgh
Pippa welcomes visitors and interested buyers to the Avontuur pavilion at the TBA venue in Gosforth Park and has 8 VAR-sired yearlings available for viewing as well as 16 other equally exciting yearlings from the Estate in the Western Cape.
“After this fantastic week on the tracks, we can’t wait for the Sale to start tonight and look forward to a profitable and successful weekend,” she says.
SON OF VAR ONCE AGAIN PROVES HIS WORTH
1 April 2009
Villandry, the already black type listed son of VAR, once again proved his worth at Clairwood on Wednesday, 1 April by romping home in the Godolphin Barb Stakes Gr 3 over 1000 m against a stiff field.
“It was an exciting and nail-biting race to watch but as he extended towards the finish, smashing the opposition whilst carrying a burden of 58 kg’s, I knew we had a winner on hand! This win once again shows his mettle, and that of other VAR progeny like Lochlorien, who won earlier this week at the Vaal,” say Avontuur GM, Pippa Mickleburgh.
Commentators have heaped praise on this sprinter who, after 4 starts and 3 wins, is already called the foremost juvenile of his year.
Pippa and her team are currently at the Avontuur pavilion at the national yearling sales with twenty-one magnificent yearlings, of which eight are by champion sire VAR.
“Today, we’re cheering on another VAR juvenile, Vacharin, who is the favourite to win at the Vaal. And then it’s back to the Sale, for the last few days. We would like to invite all interested buyers to visit us to view the fantastic group of VAR – and other – yearlings on offer,” Pippa says.
AVONTUUR’S VAR TOP SIRE AT GRANDWEST SALE
17 February 2009
The recent yearling sales at Grandwest in Cape Town was a tour de force for Avontuur Estate’s stallion VAR, when sales of his progeny ensured the farm ended up 2nd on the vendor’s list with him the top sire on aggregate for the two day event.
GM Pippa Mickleburgh said that his yearlings were well received, in part due to the excellent results now being produced by some of last year’s crop. “One of the stars in this regard is Villandry who won two races in a row at Kenilworth in January and there’s more good news happening every week on race tracks around the country. VAR ended up leading the sire’s list with his second crop on sale at public auction with Eversoeasy going to Zaki Racing Stable for R425 000 and Variety Show being sold for R225 000.
Avontuur Thoroughbred farm has a great group of yearlings on their way soon to the National Sale in Johannesburg and Pippa would like to invite all interested parties to visit the Avontuur pavilion at C Block to view these from 20 March onwards. For more information, have a look at the website at www.avontuurestate.co.za from 10 March, where the yearlings for the National Sale will be on display.
VAR COLT LANDS FIRST JUVENILE FEATURE OF THE SEASON
31 January 2009
Villandry, by VAR(USA) out of Amazon Lily, ridden by Felix Coetzee and trained by Vaughan Marshall made it a double on Saturday, 31 January by winning the R125 000 Lexus Summer Juvenile Stakes over 1000 m at Kenilworth in Cape Town.
The colt also won the Betting World Maiden Juvenile Plate at the same course last Saturday.
Commented Avontuur Estate GM, Pippa Mickleburgh, where he was born in 2006; “He ran beautifully and won easily and this win surely puts VAR in front of the first season sire’s list! We are very proud to see this result and look forward to many more of VAR’s progeny making waves on the world’s race tracks in future.”
ANOTHER WIN FOR VAR PROGENY
26 January 2009
Vilandry by VAR (USA) out of Amazon Lily, ridden by Felix Coetzee, trained by Vaughn Marshall, won by six lengths in the Betting World Maiden Juvenile Plate at Kenilworth on Saturday, 24 January. The colt was born at Avontuur Estate in 2006 from resident stallion, VAR.
Avontuur Estate GM, Pippa Mickleburgh, said that this was part of a positive pattern of results starting to emerge from races where VAR’s first progeny are participating. “We have 3 VAR yearlings on sale at Grandwest on 8 February 2009 with more earmarked for the national sales in April and we invite all interested buyers and trainers to pop in for a look,” she said.
NEWS ARCHIVE:
For all queries, contact Pippa Mickleburgh at +27 (021)855-1442 or stud@avontuurestate.co.za
