Vercingetorix reigns supreme at National Yearling Sale

When the hammer fell at R3.25-million on Lot 1 at the 2025 National Yearling Sale expectations soared for a spectacular day in the Germiston auction ring.

In the end, that wasn’t quite the case. Lights were not shot out; no surprise with the world’s media predicting global economic Armageddon. The first day of South Africa’s premier racehorse sale was declared “a good start” by the thoroughbred cognoscenti.

An aggregate of more than R99-million being coughed up for 179 horses is a success by any measure, given the circumstances. As is an average price per yearling of R555,391 and a median price of R375,000.

The country’s current leading stallion, Vercingetorix, had buyers thrusting up their bidding arms in frenzy.

The star of Maine Chance Farms’ breeding shed accumulated R18.8-million from his 12 lots sold, at an average of more than R1.5-million – which included that Lot 1, a colt out of Garden Province Stakes winner Zarina.

Miss October fetches highest price

But Vercingetorix was denied the accolade of highest price on the day. That went to up-and-coming stallion Rafeef, whose handsome colt out of Var mare Miss October went for R4.25-million.

The speed pedigree of this youngster convinced well-known owner Lady Christine Laidlaw to step into the spotlight.

The leading buyer on the day was agency Form Bloodstock which signed for eight lots for R16.7-million at an average of more than R2-million.

Jonathan Snaith bought 11 horses for R7.6-million for Snaith Racing’s populous stable.

Cape Racing boss Greg Bortz bid a surprisingly low R300,000 for the final yearling by venerable sire Trippi – appropriately named The Swansong.