Top South African filly described as 'the best I've ever ridden' by leading jockey to be exported to Europe after purchase by Team Valor

Leading South African filly Quid Pro Quo has been purchased by major international racing partnership Team Valor in a further sign of growing enthusiasm for the country’s bloodstock following the lifting of an EU travel ban this year.

Barry Irwin, founder and chief executive of Team Valor, said he hoped the filly would be able to emulate the achievements of the group’s Ipi Tombe, who was trained by Mike de Kock to win the 2003 Dubai Duty Free on Dubai World Cup night.

Irwin said: “One cannot but hope that she could be the next Ipi Tombe and we plan to give her every opportunity to achieve the lofty international accomplishments of that former South African runner.

“South African racing has always been special to me, and I’ve made significant investments there. Quid Pro Quo will carry the torch for Team Valor over the coming years and even possibly in South Africa if she isn't exported in time early next year.”

A dual Grade 1 winner and champion two-year-old filly in South Africa last season for trainer Barend Botes, Quid Pro Quo was successful in the Grade 2 Dingaans at Turffontein last time out under South Africa’s premier rider Piere Strydom, who labelled the three-year-old as “likely the best filly I’ve ever ridden”.

Ipi Tombe: winner of the 2023 Dubai Duty Free for Team ValorCredit: Edward Whitaker

Quid Pro Quo is set to be exported to Europe following the completion of her purchase from owner-breeder Gerald Kalil, but could run again in South Africa before entering quarantine, Irwin told sahracing.com. 

Irwin added: “As soon as a suitable flight becomes available she will be on it, as our plans call for her to train in Europe in advance of a three-race campaign in the winter of 2026 at Meydan in the UAE.”

South African racing has experienced a recent resurgence following the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic and the scandal involving top owner and investor Markus Jooste. This has been aided by the lifting of stringent quarantine measures on the country’s bloodstock by the EU in March after 13 years.

Last month, South Africa hosted its richest-ever raceday when the Grade 1 Betway Summer Cup meeting took place at Turffontein racecourse in Johannesburg.

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