Dynasty and Silvano colts top the bill after upbeat Emperors Palace event

Results from last week’s Emperors Palace National Two-Year-Old Sale were greeted with encouragement after surpassing expectations of the South African market.

The aggregate for the two-day event at Germiston in Gauteng rose from R29.455 million (£1,581,000) to R32.575 million (£1,747,460) - an increase of over 10 per cent - while the average price increased from R89,802 (£4,815) to R103,875 (£5,570), up 16 per cent. The median increased a healthy 20 per cent from R50,000 (£2,680) to R60,000 (£3,220).

Colts by top domestic stallions Dynasty and Silvano shared top billing overall, commanding R800,000 (£42,900) apiece. Silver Star Dust (Lot 89) headed proceedings on the first day of the National 2YO Sale, when the Klipdrif Stud-consigned Silvano colt was knocked down to Lynton Ryan, while the Dynasty full brother (267) to former sale graduate and multiple Grade 1 winner Bela-Bela was sold at the same price to Kestorm Investments.

View Emperors Palace National Two-Year-Old Sale results here

Skhwelemthini Investements were the leading buyers, with five costly purchases, and Klipdrif ended up the top vendors. Soft Falling Rain, who died aged nine last year but who has made a fine start with his early crops from Wilgerbosdrift Stud, was the top sire at the sale, with all of his 14 lots on offer selling for R2.74 million (£146,985).

Bloodstock South Africa’s executive Gary Grant said: "I think it is safe to say that this sale was a resounding success. It gave vendors some hope in what can best be described as uncertain times in this industry. One of the most pleasing aspects of the sale was the significant part played by several newcomers to the racing industry."

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