Avontuur Estate management announced the finalisation of acquisition requirements for triple Gr 1 winner and internationally acclaimed son of Danehill, Oratorio last week.
Irish-born Oratorio, one of the highest rated imported stallions to be based in South Africa, will arrive in the country early in 2013 and his book is already filling fast.
His racing career ended when he was retired at the end of his three-year-old year with many accolades including Champion two year old in France as well as Top rated three year old in Ireland behind his name. Since entering the arena as a sire with Coolmore Stud in Australia, he has produced four Gr1 winners (Manawanui, Banchee, Beethoven and Temida) amongst numerous other black type performers.
There has been a dearth of quality Danehill line sires in South Africa to date (Danehill was the nine times Australian Champion Sire and his progeny still dominate the speedster category in Australia) and the arrival of this quality stallion at Avontuur , can only add to the magic on our courses as his offspring continue to make waves wherever they participate.
Says GM Pippa Mickleburgh; “With VAR performing at the top of his class at the moment and this very exciting new addition to our business, we look forward to an exciting few years and hope to bring some serious runners to the tracks as time goes on. The acquisition will also assist with our ongoing quest to grow and polish the image of South African stock in the eyes of the world.”
Click here for more information on Oratorio.
