Bloodstock South Africa postpones National Yearling Sale until May

The Bloodstock South Africa board issued a statement on Tuesday morning saying it will postpone its flagship National Yearling Sale from April 22-24 until May 20-22, although the new dates are provisional and will be reviewed again on April 16.

The National Yearling Sale usually coincides with the AGM and Grade 1 awards of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of South Africa and these events have also been pushed back to tie in with the new dates.

The sale record for South Africa was broken last year when Mike de Kock went to R9 million (£482,000/€558,000) for a Silvano colt on behalf of Shadwell.

This year's catalogue includes a colt by the same sire out of the budding South African blue hen Halfway To Heaven, whose first three foals have all struck at the highest level and who is believed to be the only mare to have achieved this feat.

The statement from Bloodstock South Africa read: "These are unique times that the world finds itself in dealing with a pandemic such as Covid-19 and Bloodstock South Africa is mindful of the challenges facing us all on a global level and, in particular, those that face the thoroughbred breeding community in South Africa.

"Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's address to the nation on March 15 and in line with his urging for a responsible approach to the Covid-19 virus, there are specific restrictions on public gatherings that need to be adhered to.

"As such Bloodstock South Africa will be implementing the following change of dates regarding its sales programme this year - the Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale will be postponed from its current date of April 22-24.

"The proposed new dates are May 20-22, but remain provisional and will be reviewed on April 16, as this mirrors the government's target date for the evaluation of the situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic."

The statement added: "Bloodstock South Africa thanks everyone for their understanding in this matter and assures them that decisions were not taken lightly but in the interests of the safety of the thoroughbred breeding community at large.

"The safety of our staff, vendors, buyers and suppliers is of utmost importance and we will be closely monitoring the designated channels of authority within South Africa and provide relevant updates where necessary. Should you have any questions or queries please contact Bloodstock South Africa."

More from South Africa:

Budding South African blue hen Halfway To Heaven gets third Grade 1 winner

South African sale record smashed as Shadwell stock up