We took the trip to Zimbabwe on Thursday 6 May to attend their annual yearling sales. Firstly we were pleasantly surprised to be accommadated by the breeders Sarahdene Stud [Diz Buckler] and her pleasant and very imformative husband "berns". They fetched us from the airport and on our way to view some of the yearlings on offer he gave us a sight seeing tour and what a surprise.Harare was a buzz as white and black alike was hard at work. The people were extremely friendly and good natured during peak hour traffic [obviously not as hectic as joburg peak hour traffic]. Obviously they have hard times ahead as the money unit switched to US Dollar, but after some interesting discussions it seemed that all expected it to be very beneficial in the long run. One could feel a distinct atmosphere of calm all over and we absolutely enjoyed our stay in the Bronte Hotel in Harare, great dinner, met nice people of different cultures and exchanged some interesting views...
On Friday we were extremely well treated by Nolleen Peach [trainer] who had us picked up to visit Borrowdale Park and her stables and gave us a very imformative tour. We also watched the Spar Tankard runners doing their final preps for Sunday. She also took us to the Rumbavu Stud Farm [run by husband Christopher] to view their new stallion Andronicus Of Rhodes [brother to Archipenko]. Lovely stud and homestead. Then we were off to the sales to view the babies and all the breeders were absolutely wonderful hosts as we spent at least half hour with each breeder big and small. There were 80 lots on offer and the last ever Kitalpha crop in these parts.
Besides Kitalpha, Sarahdene Stud stalwart Century Stand[sire of Earl of Surrey] had some nice babies on the sale...others were Rabah, Kingsinger, Fly By Day, Tamburlaine, Badger's Drift, Tiger Dance and Sobieski. The sale itself was amazing as everybody at the sale got together at an assembly point and were treated to a "special drink" and believe me potent enough to get you bidding. Robin Bruss then did the opening speech and had some nice titbits to share of Peter Lovemore [memorial service held thursday] and paid a special tribute to the legendary man. The sale was well attended by the locals which was really impressive. John Freeman made the trip up and also judged the yearlings and his best pick was lot 14 [Kitalpha of Rumbavu Stud]. Peter Moor of Golden Acres Stud accommadated us on his balcony and made sure our glasses were filled with whiskey at all times. Really a spontaneous enjoyable person. His stud also had the most yearlings on offer. Sharon Patterson was their as per usual and she acquired some nice lots for owners down South. It was a pity there wasn't more SA interest in the sale as there was plenty value to be had and the top babies on the sale didn't have to stand back for the big guns at our recent sale. Although bidding was in US Dollar the minimum bid was $2 000. Lots of the lesser fancied lots were for sale and was had at the minimum price. The highest price was $25 000 and 2 babies were sold at that price [Kitalpha]. Only a few lots were unsold. Bidding was fierce and i think everyone was happy overall. Mr. Bruss did coverage of the sale and i believe will be featured on Tellytrack sometime.
The whole sale and pre -sale was very professional and the locals can really hold their heads high. Zim racing is here to stay. Prize money is low at present as their stakes are only $3 000 [roughly R25 000] for non graded races and the Spar Tankard higher i think $150 000 [grade 1] but they are attracting new sponsors and keeping racing alive. Overall the sale was a huge success, well planned and executed and an absolute joy to attend. Especially the after party at Borrowdale where Mean Mr Mustard was live on stage. Once again met great people, shared info and had plenty to drink...eventually to bed at 3am.
This morning we were once again treated with breakfast at Sarahdene stud [30k's outside Harare] and saw Century Stand and Fly By Day. What a beautiful, tranquill place with a lovely Cape Dutch homestead. If one didn't know you wouldn"t believe they had political turmoil recently. Truly a friendly lot of people white and black alike. Then caught our flight back...
Our sincere thanks to all mentioned above for making us feel at home and we won't hesitate to go up north again.
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