Nothing succeeds like success and winners are forming a solid base for the resurgent South Australian standardbred yearling sale.
Once a strong breeding base, South Australia had been on the decline in the early 2000s and for five years no sale was held in the state.
Up stepped the South Australian Breeder Owners Trainers and Reinspersons Association and in 2015 the organisation gathered together a modest 14 yearlings to go under the hammer.
From that group, there has already been four winners including the very promising Takemepitchamister which ran in the 2017 SA Derby at only its fifth start.
Also in the honour roll from that sale are the exciting Ladyship Stakes winner Arm A Princess which had her career halted by an horrific accident at Melton and the talented Wroxton Steel, a brilliant winner of his first two starts.
To complete four winners from the first sale is Ramseys Hope which also ran second in the Lordship Stakes.
Four others, Breezin Chippers, Bella Sophia, Spoilt Swaffham and Golden Cullen, have already made it to the racetrack.
Takemepitchamister, which cost just $3500, is owned by outstanding photographer Barry O’Brien and Aussie Rules football legend Barrie Robran, and is trained by Toby Ryan and won its first three starts and looks among the best three-year-olds in South Australia.
Arm A Princess, trained by Lance Holberton, had four wins and four placings from 11 times, including a Ladyship Stakes win, but had her career halted by an accident at Melton.
It was touch and go whether she would survive, but has, and connections are hoping she might eventually stand up to another preparation.
BOTRA’s infectious enthusiasm to reinvigorate the local breeding industry has seen interest from around Australia for its, now annual, yearling sale.
This year 26 yearlings form the catalogue which will go under the hammer on Sunday, February 12 at Globe Derby Park.
Harness Racing South Australia has also increased its backing of the sale.
Also, any yearling sold at the sale, which has not been entered for the Southern Cross racing series prior to the sale, can be made eligible at a discounted price of $275 (normally $600), subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.
