Honest Opinion

Corne Spies has a 1st timer in Race 2 at Flamingo today.

R400k purchase , Jet Master .

Why on earth would you give this horse its 1st run in Flamingo Park ?

No logic involved. I would prefer 1400/1600 at Turfontein/Vaal Turf for debut.

Lex good point.. but couldn't even crack its maiden in Kimberley, might not be as good as its purchase price?

Guys lets be honest..the prices of horses here in SA are absolutely ridiculous when compared to the stakes a horse can realistically earn.

Im careful when I buy..if the price is high then it must be a filly at least then there may be some value left in it for breeding.

R400k...lets just think what that can actually buy you ..its a kids education..its food for a family of 5 for at least 2 yrs..its rental of a nice house for 3 years

In all reality owning racehorses is for royalty.

Hey Oscar what did you add to your stable from the sale?

258

So much for not buying hey Oscar...you addict!!!

Sorry no photo on the tba

Jack Rock, Captain Al colt from Eternal Lady for R250k

Well done Oscar, you did tell me you wanted a Captain Al,

all the best with your "investment"

Oscar, the sad thing is that we keep getting reminded, especially during the sale, that our stakes are GOOD relative to purchase price and training costs compared with other parts of the world.

As a rough calculation, it costs R50k a year for upkeep, say R200k for four years racing. Add in purchase price of average R300k at NYS, and you're looking at a break-even of R500k in earnings just to break-even. Factor in the deductions from winning stakes for jockey/trainer etc. (nearly 20%?) and the average horse at the sale has to earn around R600k just to pay its way.

As you say, owning racehorse is for royalty is about right. You definitely have to go in thinking about it as a hobby where you're quite happy to come out with a sizeable loss. Only the lucky few come out ahead.

Having said that, good luck with your colt!

I was at the sales yesterday and was quiet suprised at how it went. Always a buyer , sometimes one person taking 5,6 horses at R250k . At least the people in racing are not effected with the credit crunch.