Excellent results at NYS!
Sunday, 19 Apr 2026
Fifty years on, the Bloodstock SA National Yearling Sale this week delivered results that reaffirmed its position at the pinnacle of the South African market. Faced with an ever-evolving economic and commercial environment, it proved once again why it remains the benchmark event on the South African bloodstock calendar and underlined its credibility and continued relevance.
The 2026 renewal of the two-day sale, which drew to a close on Friday afternoon, produced a record aggregate, a rising average, an increased median, a standout top lot and a clearance rate above 93%, driven by top-end demand and strength across all levels.
The record-breaking total turnover of R208,000,000 was an increase of 21% on 2025. The average price of R647,975 represented a 15% lift, year-on-year, and the median of R425,000 was up 6% on 2025. An impressive 55 yearlings sold for R1-million or more, including 16 above R2-million and 5 that topped the R3-million mark.
The top lot was Lot 163, Red Trix, a colt by Vercingetorix out of the young Western Winter mare Redberry Lane, who famously defeated Snowdance in the 2018 Grade 1 Garden Province Stakes. He fetched a standout R5.25-million for Lammerskraal Stud and was knocked down to Form Bloodstock.
Form’s principal, Jehan Malherbe, finished as the leading buyer overall, securing 19 lots for a combined R29,650,000 at an average of R1,560,526. Jonathan Snaith was active and landed 20 lots for R16,900,000 with an average of R845,000.
Varsfontein Stud’s consistency in producing quality across the board once again saw them emerge as the sale’s leading vendor. The renowned Paarl operation sold 30 lots for a combined R32,150,000, at an average of R1,071,667. Wilgerbosdrift had 26 lots sell for R22,985,000 for an average R884,038.
Vercingetorix, well on course for his third successive National Sire’s title, was the undisputed champion of the sale. The exceptional Maine Chance Farm’s stallion had 29 yearlings sold for a combined R46,200,000 at a standout average of R1,593,103 – accounting for 22% of the total sale turnover.
Michael Holmes, CEO of Bloodstock SA, expressed his delight at the impressive set of figures and stressed that the National Yearling Sale remains the one sale that unites the full spectrum of the industry.
Holmes commented: “Our sale is the heartbeat of South African thoroughbred breeding. Its enduring strength lies in the massive national support from the country’s breeders, vendors and buyers with varying budgets.
“The TBA Complex is shaped by tradition and it’s a platform where everyone is welcome. Every year it reminds us why we do what we do – the passion, the investment and the belief that the next champion is in the ring. Our buyers bench reflected depth and support from established powerhouses, alongside new and emerging players.”
That support was evident in the sales ring, where buyers from The United States of America, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius were active. Special thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their continued support and commitment to the South African breeding and racing industry.
Holmes added: “The numbers speak for themselves, but what they cannot fully capture is the atmosphere and the vibe around the complex this year, with notably good footfall throughout the week.”
He thanked the auctioneers and noted that Andrew Miller, Steve Davis and Graeme Hawkins had serviced the Sale for 25 years. They were acknowledged for their valued contributions, at the start of Day Two.
The full set of results, including the price list and detailed statistics, can be accessed on the Bloodstock SA website.
The next Bloodstock South Africa physical sale to diarise will be their KZN Yearling Sale on the 2nd July 2026 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Suncoast Casino Complex.
