CTICC hosts thoroughbred yearling sales to global buyers

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

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2016 started off on a high note as the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) welcomed guests of a different kind when it hosted the Cape Premier Yearling Sale, from 21 – 22 January. CTICC’s exhibition halls were transformed into an indoor stable for three hundred and fifty thoroughbred horses that went on auction at the Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

“The sale was first held at the CTICC in 2011, making it the first ever inner-city thoroughbred yearling sale held in the world. This unique event attracts thousands of local and international buyers from eight countries – raising the global competitiveness of Cape Town and affirming the CTICC’s world-class versatility and flexible infrastructure’, adds CTICC Chief Executive Officer, Julie-May Ellingson.

According to Liesl King, Cape Thoroughbred Sales Public Relations Liaison, the 2016 event saw record sales with a South African sales topper at R5.2 million. This year the value of these yearlings ranged from R 50 000 up to R 6 million, the top sale (R6 000 000.00) went to Drakenstein Stud for a Silvano Colt, bought by Mayfair Speculators. Second highest went to Klawervlei (R5 250 000) for a Captain Al Filly, bought by Tina Rau Bloodstock. “Owning a racehorse is a lifestyle choice and what can be more attractive to the rich and famous than coming to the world’s most beautiful city to seek an international champion horse”, said Adrian Todd, Cape Thoroughbred Sales Chief Operating Officer.

The success of this popular event has grown immensely over the years due to the meticulous planning and collaboration between the event organiser and the CTICC. The events team has 72 hours to convert the concrete halls to house 350 horses and their handlers, while every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort of the yearlings. The handlers are present at all times and 2000 straw bales are brought in, and recycled into compost after the event.

Cape Thoroughbred Sales (Pty) Ltd is an independent, commercial, sales company, uniquely devised to be dedicated to the growth of the sport of horseracing and the thoroughbred breeding industry through the development of the bloodstock market and using its strengths to become innovative, visionary and global.

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