What do you get when the local conditions and a great team of trainers and breeders work together to form a draft of thoroughbreds for sales? A batch nothing short of absolute winners. Based along the coast of Breede River, Klawervlei Stud Farm is a combination of just that and like said earlier, year after year, they have come to CTS Ready 2 Run sale with some of the best lots and cemented their position as one of the top vendors at this event.
Klawervlei Stud Farm has been home to some of the most iconic studs in the business before they come here to be taken away to their new homes. This is a result of a number of passionate breeders and trainers coming together and forming a syndicate that we all have come to recognize as the Klawervlei farm. Every year some of the finest and top-most stocks are hand-picked and brought in to the farm to be able to breed an elite lineup of thoroughbreds.
This is not just a farm, it is a family. Wherein all the trainers and breeders and other staff live together as a clique. The head of this family is a veteran breeder. John Koster, who comes from a family of thoroughbred breeders. He comes with not just the business acumen but also the pearls of wisdom passed down through generations in his family. He spent some time with us to discuss the CTS Ready 2 Run draft that he is bringing to the sale this year.
Q: As one of the top vendors for the CTS sale can you tell us a bit more about your draft and your highlight Lots?
A: These are a few of our lots Lot 43 By Vercingetorix – already 2nd on the South African 3yo sire list with 15 individual winners of 23 races – this colt is out of a mare by the mighty Jet Master – Champion Broodmare Sire in 2018 with 14 BT winners of 23 BT races! A well balanced athletic type with very good action.
Lot 52 This filly is very forward, has been through the pens and will be ready to race for the first 3 Juvenile races worth R250,000 each in addition to the sales race of R1,25 mil. The Tapit/Northern Dancer cross has produced 8% SW/R including G1 winners Tapizar, Frosted and Laragh
LOT 86 This good actioned colt is by Captain Of All (Champion Freshman Sire 2018/19) out of Quest For Gold, a top-class Listed winner of 7 and the dam of LRW Chariot Of Gold. This is the family of successful G1 sire Pomodoro.
Lot 98 A beautiful specimen that oozes quality and class – he has a huge action to boot. By very promising sire Vercingetorix out of LRW Schism, this is the family of G1 winners Lobo’s Legend (exported to Hong Kong) and SA Oaks winner Pine Princess.
Lot 136 This Coup De Grace colt is a half-brother to G1 winning sprinter Link-Man. A colt bred for speed.
Lot 146 A very smart looking colt by Coup De Grace – he is bred to fly. A half-brother to SA champion 2yo and dual Gr.1 winner Seventh Plain. A lively contender for the R250k Juvenile prizes.
Q: Could you please tell us a bit more about your association with this sale? How long have you been showing at the sale?
A: We have been selling here since 2013 and have had really good success. We have a Pinhook club that is now in its 8th year. Past year's results have yielded ROI of a low 20% up to a massive 52.6%.
Q: Although you have probably sold some very expensive horses in your lifetime, please tell us about the most expensive horse you ever sold at this sale and where he/ she is right now?
A: The most expensive horse is a Dynasty colt sold for R1.1 mil – he is in training and is a winner.
Q: With such an iconic stud as yours, you have three generations of learning at your beck as well as a lot of responsibility towards your mare-lines. How do you decide on your matings? What does the process involve?
A: I use various tools such as G1 Goldmine, True Nicks, Tesio, etc as an aid. I do concentrate more on conformation, speed/stamina, temperament, and affinities. Knowing your mare and stallion intensely is vital – I spend a lot of time on matings.
Q: You became passionate about horses at a young age and have made a life that still involves horses every step of the way. What's the best part of your life with horses?
A: These animals are without a doubt the noblest of all. They give everything they have to us – it is a privilege and a pleasure to be involved with the Thoroughbred. Because of the horse, I have been able to travel far and meet wonderful people in the industry from all over the world with the same passion. Many have become close friends and confidants. It has to be the greatest industry on this planet!
Q: With 2020 fast approaching, where do you see South African racing in the next ten years? And are the top two things on your bucket list to achieve by 2030?
A: Despite many concerns and challenges, this industry is resilient and offers many job opportunities. I would hope that South Africa gets the protocol we deserve, this is an international business and the whole world will benefit if we work together to enhance our industry. Then our industry will be in great shape going forward.
Bucket list To keep breeding Gr.1 winners and champions, by always taking the welfare of the horse and the environment into consideration first. To continue improving the lives of our community on the farm by living out motto “We live, learn and labour in harmony”
Published In The Impact 23 Issue, 2 Vol
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