II (GB) Foundation sire at Varsfontein Stud
Nelson’s Column brought to you by Varsfontein Stud
commemorates its 50th anniversary in South Africa, marking a remarkable journey from humble origins to becoming one of the nation’s premier stud farms. Situated in the vicinity of Paarl, where Simon van der Stel, the inaugural Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, maintained his horse breeding operations at Perdeberg in 1691, the stud farm stands as a testament to a rich historical lineage.
In the early 1800s, pioneers traversed from the Cape through Bains Kloof into the heart of the interior, utilizing the renowned the Bains Kloof Pass, named after engineer Andrew Geddes Bain. The pass connecting Wellington to the northern towns of Ceres and Worcester, offered a favoured route
characterized by its manageable gradients, catering specifically to the needs of oxdrawn wagons. For nearly a century, it served as the primary thoroughfare northward until the construction of the Du Toits Kloof Pass, which was opened in
1949.
Nestled amidst this picturesque landscape, the natural spring at Varsfontein emerged as a vital staging post for travelers, furnishing essential fresh water for their livestock. To this day, the spring continues to flow, nestled on the eastern periphery of the main gate beneath the comforting shade of oak trees.
Originally established as a vineyard, Varsfontein underwent a transformation when Jan Rossouw, a perceptive local farmer, advocated for diversifying into winemaking. Thus, the inception of Perdeberg Cellar in 1942 marked the beginning of a new chapter, with the first grapes carefully hand-pressed, laying the foundation for a legacy of wine making in the area.
1970 - 1980
Anthony Kalmanson was an avid amateur rider, participated in races across England, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, notably clinching South Africa’s first Steeplechase victory aboard Thunder Peal in 1969.
Tony Kalmanson had emerged as a prominent figure at the National Yearling Sales, making notable purchases such as ATTILA (winner of 9 races including the
Clairwood Merchants H), TOP BRASS (winner of 10 races), and standout fillies like INDIRA (victorious in the G1 Paddock S and G1 Majorca S; 3rd in the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas), KENDAL GREEN (winner of the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas; 2nd in the G1 Majorca S and Diana S), and SINGING
WINDS (Clairwood Free H; 2nd in the G1 SA Oaks; 3rd in the G1 Garden Province S, G1 Natalia S, and G3 Natal Guineas).
During the Christmas holidays of 1973,
Tony and his wife Mette and children John, Susan and Monique found themselves holidaying at the Alphen Hotel. Susan remembers the events “My father embarked on a mission to acquire a farm to create a stud to accommodate his race fillies retiring to stud. As a family we toured a number of wine farms, including Varsfontein. Then my mother took us all back to England for the school term, while my father stayed on a few weeks longer in which time he was able to watch Kendal Green win the Fillies Guineas and secure the purchase of Varsfontein”. Tony’s friend
and equestrian rival, Hennie de Jager and his wife Sigy assumed managerial roles at varsfontein. Tragically, Sigy succumbed to cancer some years later, leaving a profound legacy upon which Varsfontein was built. Johan Loftus was then employed by Hennie as the assistant stud manager at Varsfontein. Johan and Hennie worked well together and Johan became a valuable asset to the stud. Johan later joined The Alchemy to take over from manager Carl de Vos. Johan is now running Ndoro Stud in Wellington.
Varsfontein’s inaugural stallion was MEXICO II (GB), who garnered accolades as Champion Sire of 2yo’s in 1980 and 1981. Producing the likes of Champion 2yo Sire HARRY HOTSPUR, MEXICO II left an indelible mark as a leading sire and broodmare sire, significantly influencing the South African breed. Among others, MEXICO II was the
sire of FOREIGN AGENT, MEXICAN SUMMER, NEW SPAIN, PERI PERI, POLLY BISQUI, WITCHITA, SCOTTISH
ARCHER, SMACKEROO, MOCCASIN, CROWN AGENT, MEXICAN PEACE, SPEEDWONA, CORN BELT, FAST GUN, MARIE GALANTE, etc.
Varsfontein’s first yearling sold at auction was KINGS RHAPSODY (by Royal Affair - Singing Winds by Noble Chieftain), who notched up an impressive 10 victories for Laurie and Jean Jaffee, including the prestigious G1 Smirnoff Plate, marking
Varsfontein’s maiden G1 triumph, now known as the G1 Gold Medallion. Tony Kalmanson laid the foundation for Varsfontein during its formative years but tragically passed away, leaving the stud under the ownership of his wife Mette and children Susan, John, and Monique. Mrs Kalmanson, residing in England at the time, faced communication challenges, and received invaluable assistance in managing Tony’s equestrian legacy from Tim Preston, Terrance Millard, Sir Mordaunt Milner, Len Butt (Pim Golby) and Abe Swersky.
1980 - 1990
The twins, Susan and John, quickly established themselves as regular attendees at the National Yearling Sales, acquiring pedigreed fillies for both racing and breeding purposes, following the tradition set by their father. This tradition has endured through the years to the present.
FAIR SEASON (GB), imported by Sir Mordaunt Milner, arrived at Varsfontein Stud in 1982. A highly esteemed stallion,
he sired notable progeny such as JUNGLE
WARRIOR, FIRESTAR, TOORAK, DELLAFAIR, HOT WEATHER, BOLD APPROACH, LA MANCHA, TICKETS AND TAX, TURBO STAR, LONDON SEASON, among others.
In 1988, Hennie De Jager retired, and the management baton of Varsfontein Stud was passed to Carl De Vos. Carl, who remains at the helm to this day, celebrates his 36th year on the farm in 2024. “Susan and I instantly connected,” Carl reflects. “In 1988, we foaled down fewer than 20
mares, whereas in 2023, the count was 130.”
Under the guidance of Carl, and with the enthusiastic support of Tony’s wife Mette Kalmanson, renovation and expansion projects flourished at Varsfontein.
Assistant Manager Hendrik Winterbach joined Varsfontein in 1989. Hendrik bred International G1 winners IRRIDESCENCE (Equus Champion 3yo Classic Female 2005) and PERFECT PROMISEboth by CAESOUR - from his mare MERETRICIOUS (Dancing Champ).
Mrs. Kalmanson pursued her vision of enhancing the beauty of the farm, initiating projects such as staff housing, stable yard improvements, paddock fencing, the tractor shed, and the office. Meanwhile, siblings Susan and John assumed responsibility for enhancing the farm’s broodmare band.
MARIE GALANTE was born in 1988, marking a significant moment for the farm.
MARIE GALANTE emerged as a catalyst for the new generation, revitalizing excitement surrounding the farm’s breeding endeavors.
1990 - 2000
MARIE GALANTE was by MEXICO II and out of foundation mare, INDIRA (by PREAMBLE II). She raced for Varsfontein in Susan’s colours for 3 seasons and ended up with a race record of 8 wins and 6 places from 16 starts (all but 2 were stakes races). She won the G2 Poinsettia Stakes and G1 SA Fillies Sprint double twice - in 1992 and 1993.
The stallion CAESOUR (USA), selected for Varsfontein by bloodstock agent Alexandra Scrope, arrived in 1996, and his first crop made an exciting debut on the tracks during the 1999/2000 season.
This crop included Classic winner CAUGHTINTHESLIPS and graded stakes placed runners DIPLOMAT, CAESAR’S
WARRIOR, HAIL CAESOUR and EMPERORS DANCE. Caesour went on to produce the likes of KISS ME QUICK, TOBE OR NOTTOBE, THE EIGER
SANCTION, PERFECT PROMISE, O CAESOUR, IRRIDESCENCE,
ROSE, DANE JULIA,
REGAL RANSOM, RIVER CROSSING, ARCOLA and TEVEZ
.
CAESOUR can be considered the most internationally successful SA based sire producing G1 winners in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Caesour has also made his mark as a broodmare sire, his latest superstar being LUCKY LAD, and his daughters continue to keep his name prominent in graded races.
Three astute horsemen gained experience working at Varsfontein during the 1990’sBertrand Le Metayer (Racing Advisor & Bloodstock Agent, France’s Representative for Tattersalls), Louis Le Metayer (Astute Bloodstock in Syney) and Jean-Marie Callier (JMC Bloodstock in France).
Perhaps one of the biggest contributions to Varsfontein’s success was the great mare, SECRET PACT (1990 - a full-sister to LONDON NEWS), who was purchased as a young mare for the then record price for a broodmare on auction. Secret Pact is the dam of PROMISEFROMMYHEART, COVENANT and SECRET HEART. From her daughters have come the likes of PLUCK, THREE HEARTS, MASTER
,
CAESOUR (USA)
OF MY FATE, MALMOOS, CAPTAIN SPLENDID, JUSTTHEWAYYOUARE, HACK GREEN, HASHTAGYOLO, GHAALLA, ERIK THE RED, FAVORITA, DUE DILIGENCE, etc.
The renovation of the manor house progressed steadily, though it posed challenges due to its mud brick construction. The final renovation was completed in 1999, marking a significant milestone in Varsfontein’s ongoing development.
.
2000 - 2010
The 2003/2004 season was a very memorable one for Varsfontein Stud with a string of very successful fillies making their mark on the racetrack. This included
the likes of PROMISEFROMMYHEART (who won the Triple Tiara and was crowned Equus Champion 3yo Filly) and DUCHESS DABA who earned both Cape and Highveld Champion status after winning two G1 races. Others from this top-notch season were SABINA PARK, CRUISE COLLECTION, DASH FOR GRETNA, ZOLAROYALE, PERFECT PROMISE, etc.
The farm’s trophy cabinet became well stocked after Varsfontein Stud won the 2002 Cape Breeder Of The Year as well as both Highveld Breeder Of The Season and Highveld Owners Of The Season at the Highveld feature season awards.
Hot on the heels of a phenomenal season, Varsfontein Stud enjoyed their first International G1 success.
JUDPOT (USA) - EQUUS AWARD
IRRIDESCENCE, born and bred at Varsfontein by assistant manager Hendrik Winterbach, was crowned Champion 3yo Filly in South Africa in 2005 before heading abroad and winning the 2006 running of the G1 QE II Cup in Hong Kong, beating non-other than Ouija Boardthe Champion 3yo Filly in Europe and Champion Older Mare in Ireland. Varsfontein acquired JUDPOT (USA) in 2009 in partnership with the Niarchos family (Jagessar Ltd). His pedigree was out of the top-draw being by A.P. INDY and out of the great race-mare MIESQUE, which made him a half brother to the world-class sires KINGMAMBO and MIESQUE’S SON. Judpot was awarded the Equus
Outstanding Stallion Achievement Award in 2013. His progeny included the G1 winners ALONG CAME POLLY (Champion 2yo Filly), FOREST INDIGO, JUXTAPOSE, CORAL FEVER and FLYING CARPET. Other G1 performers include DEPUTY JUD, DOUBLE
WHAMMY, ROCKETBALL, BI POT and FINAL JUDGEMENT. Judpot retired from stud duties in 2019.
In 2007 Jaco and Carolyn Erasmus joined Varsfontein Stud as Assistant Stud Managers following Hendrik Winterbach’s departure. Jaco and Carolyn both studied Equine Science at Pretoria Technicon, gained International experience at Cheveley Park Stud in the UK, and worked at Lammerskraal before moving to Varsfontein. They bred their first G1 winner WAR HORSE in 2009, and haven’t looked back since.
2010 - 2020
One of Mrs Kalmanson’s favorite projects was the farm’s main entrance. She visited various properties inspecting their gates and drawing inspiration. In 2010 the entrance walls and gate were built under her instruction giving visitors a more welcoming and quality feel on arrival. The entrance gate certainly compliments the beautiful lane of cottonwood trees and lush
paddocks on either side.
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT (AUS) was the first 3yo to win the G1 Queen’s Plate in 42 years, and Varsfontein Stud opened negotiations with Hassen Adams and secured the colt to take up stud duties
for the 2012 breeding season. With his International pedigree, outstanding racing career and his excellent physical attributes, Gimmethegreenlight was considered the ideal prospect as a future leading stallion. History has proven this correct and he has become the leading sire in SA. He has achieved the following: Champion First Season Sire 2016, Champion Sire of 2yo’s 2020, Champion Sire 2021, Champion Sire of 3yo’s 2021, 3rd leading sire 2022, and Champion SA Sire in 2023, Champion Sire of 3yo’s 2023, Champion Sire of 2yo’s 2023. GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT (AUS)
CLICK HERE FOR
The Varsfontein Team are enormously proud of the fact that GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT has repeated this historical achievement of becoming Champion Sire in all 3 categories in 2024, setting the bar extremely high - what more can we ask of this magnificent progenitor?
Mette Kalmanson (affectionately known on the farm as “Groot Madam”) passed away in 2014. She is pictured above with John Kalmanson, leading in Covenant after winning the 2012 G2 Sceptre stakes.
It was a bitter sweet moment when the new stallion complex was completed in 2014 as it was an exciting addition to the farm but also sad knowing how much Mrs Kalmanson would have enjoyed seeing the new building.
During the 2013/14 season in SA, Carl and Amanda were the breeders of two G1 winners on one day - ASH CLOUD and YORKER - and received the Equus Outstanding Breeder Of The Year Award for the season. YORKER won the Equus Champion Older Male award after
a season that saw him win three G1 races. The FOVEROS mare STAR OF ARCOLE (dam of Ash Cloud) won the Equus Champion Broodmare award - “she has given us three Oaks winners as she also produced SA Oaks winner ARCOLA and Gold Circle Oaks winner, PRINCESS OF LIGHT” said Carl.
Equus awards 2013/14:
CHAMPION OLDER MALE - Yorker
CHAMPION BROODMARE - Star Of Arcole
BREEDER OF THE YEAR - Mr & Mrs Carl de Vos.
MASTER OF MY FATE returned home to his place of birth when retiring to stud in 2014, after his racing career was cut short due to injury. He was so sought after that his syndication was complete within 24 hours. Hardly surprising as both sire (Jet Master) and dam (Promisefrommyheart) were Champions.
Master Of My Fate won 6 races in a row in 8 months by an average winning distance of 2 lengths. He won the G2 Premier’s Trophy and G2 Peninsula H beating 8
G1 horses. He was 5th in the G1 J&B Met where he was cut into 3 times by the same horse.
At stud he has produced the likes of TEMPTING FATE, SENTBYDESTINY, ZARINA, TWIST OF FATE, BASADI
FAITH, ZAPATILLAS, LADY OF POWER,
SEA MASTER, AFRICAN ADVENTURE,
GEM KING, PRETTY BETTY,
ATTICUS FINCH, HAN SOLO, TRIPLE
FATE LINE, MASTER SUPREME,
INDI ANNA, ATTICUS FINCH, SPLICETHEMAINBRACE, PRINCESS
IZZY, JOY AND PEACE, etc.
Master Of My Fate has achieved the following at stud: 2nd Leading Sire 2021, 3rd Leading Sire of 3yo’s 2021, 4th
Leading Sire 2022, 5th Leading Sire
2023, 2nd Leading Sire of 3yo’s 2023, and now 4th Leading Sire 2024.
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE ON MASTER OF MY FATE
A very special filly entered the scene at Varsfontein Stud after being purchased
from Cheveley Stud at the 2014 National Two Year Old Sale. Susan named the beautiful pink-grey filly, BELA-BELA. By DYNASTY and out of the Equus Champion Broodmare of the Year, MYSTIC SPRING, Bela-Bela went on to win 7 races in the Varsfontein Stud silks including the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas, G1 Woolavington 2000, G1 Paddock S and G1 Garden Province S. She was awarded the Equus Champion 3yo Filly title for the 2015/16 season. She hails from the family of RABIYA, SECRET OF VICTORIA,
SNOWDANCE, SNOW PILOT, ALL IS SECRET, THE SECRET IS OUT, SPRING LILAC, SECRET CAPTAIN, TOUCH THE SKY, AMY JOHNSON, GIMME SIX, etc.
2020 - 2024
The 2020/2021 season was one for the record books and certainly a season that won’t be forgotten. Varsfontein Stud enjoyed the following successes: Their first ever Champion Sire title as GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT topped the log with stable-mate, MASTER OF MY FATE, in 2nd position.
Varsfontein breds, MALMOOS (Captain Al ex Justthewayyouare), won the Triple Crown and YULONG PRINCE (SURCHARGE) (Gimmethegreenlight ex Congestion Charge) won the G1 Kennedy Cantala Stakes in Australia.
Equus Champion 2yo Filly ANYTHING GOES (Var ex Dance Domain) won the G1 Thekwini S (29 Aug 2020) and SENTBYDESTINY (Master Of My Fate ex Princess Tobin) won the G1 Premiers Champion S (29 Aug 2020). Varsfontein graduates won 23 stakes races during the course of the season (5 Gr 1 races, 6 Gr 2 races, 7 Gr 3 races and 5 Listed races).
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT was again victorious in 2023 - for the first time in history, a stallion achieved championship in all 3 categories (from records since 1953) - CHAMPION SA SIRE 2023 (Total Stakes R23,030,650 - 33% more than his nearest rival, 14 stakes winners of 21 stakes races), CHAMPION SA SIRE OF 3YO’S 2023 (Total Stakes
R10,358,58855% more than his nearest rival. 5 stakes winners of 6 stakes races), CHAMPION SA SIRE OF 2YO’S 2023 (Total Stakes
R4,428,925 - 55% more than his nearest rival, 4 stakes winners of 7 stakes races).
GIMMETHEGREENLIGHT has repeated this historical feat in 2024.
Varsfontein Stud bred ERIK THE RED retired to Varsfontein in 2021. Sired by the illustrious G1 winning miler CAPTAIN AL,
out of the equally impressive G1 winning sprinter/miler COVENANT, hailing from the distinguished family of SECRET PACT
‘Erik’ secured victories in 6 out of 9 starts, with 2 additional placings. His initial outing, where he finished 5th, marked his sole unplaced performance. ‘Erik’ was quick to put the record straight, showcasing his potential with a string of four consecutive victories at 2 years including the LISTED
SUMMER JUVENILE STAKES, G3
CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE NURSERY, G2
UMKHOMAZI STAKES, and secured victory in the G2 CAPE MERCHANTS
st 3. ERIK THE RED’S first season progeny are on offer in 2024.
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE ON ERIK THE RED
The main stable yard on the farm underwent major renovations and a new hospital with a new crush was added.
Varsfontein Stud had an exceptional 2022/23 season, producing the winners of 21 stakes races. A special mention must go out to the magnificent 2yo’s of last
season (current 3yo’s), which include CALA MURETTA, GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE, GOLDEN SICKLE, GUY GIBSON, LUCKY LAD, MAIN DEFENDER, QUESTOR and SANDRINGHAM
SUMMIT. G1 winners LUCKY LAD and SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT were both nominated for Equus Champion 2yo Colt - with the vote going to SANDRINGHAM
SUMMIT, winner of the G1 Premiers
Champion Stakes and the G2 Golden Horseshoe.
Breeding the first three past the post in the G2 Durban Golden Horseshoe was a significant accomplishment.
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT won from GIMMEANOTHERCHANCE and GUY GIBSON.
This 2020 crop made a striking impression at the 2022 National Yearling Sale, as five yearlings fetched prices of a million or more.
Varsfontein bred 3yo filly BLESS
MY STARS was awarded the Equus Champion 3yo Filly trophy - for her victories in the G1 SA Fillies Classic and
the G2 Gold Bracelet. She was also 3rd in the G1 Durban July.
Varsfontein’s stallions won both the G2 Gauteng Guineas and the G2 Gauteng Fillies Guineas with EYE OF THE PROFIT (Gimmethegreenlight) and LADY OF POWER (Master Of My Fate).
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE ON THE 2022/23 SEASON
2023 EQUUS AWARDS
The 2023 Equus Awards were held in the Senate Room at Emperors Palace where Varsfontein received 3 awards:
Champion 2yo Colt - Sandringham Summit
Champion 3yo Filly - Bless My Stars
PIERRE DE VOS, AMANDA DE VOS AND CARL DE VOS AT THE EQUUS AWARDS 2023
Champion Stallion - Gimmethegreenlight
The 2023 Cape Racing and Cape Breeders Awards took place at a festive function at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 1st September 2023.
Varsfontein Stud collected the following -
CAPE RACING AWARDS:
Champion Older Male (for Khaya Stables)Gimme A Prince.
Champion Sprinter (for Khaya Stables) - Gimme A Prince.
Champion Stayer - Salvator Mundi.
CAPE BREEDERS AWARDS:
Champion 2yo Colt - Lucky Lad.
Champion Older Male (for Khaya Stables)Gimme A Prince.
Champion Sprinter (for Khaya Stables) - Gimme A Prince.
Stallion of the Year - Gimmethegreenlight.
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT was purchased by Varsfontein Stud in November 2023, and syndicated amongst breeders. John Freeman reported that the syndication of SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT was completed in 24 hours. All available shares were sold. He confirmed that “shares literally flew off the shelf” which speaks volumes for the colt’s popularity with local breeders. “Varsfontein retained 20 of the 46 shares offered,” he added.
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT had earned his G1 spurs in the Premiers Champion
Stakes by downing the hitherto unbeaten MAIN DEFENDER (bred and raised at Varsfontein for Jagessar Ltd), who was over two lengths adrift at the line.
Trained by David Nieuwenhuizen, the colt made heads turn when he came from an impossible position to win the G2 Golden Horseshoe at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Durban July day.
Named last season’s Equus Champion 2yo Colt, he currently has a rating of 123 at 3 and has since retired to stud.
Sandringham Summit Race Record: 12 starts, 5 wins, 7 places, R2,424,750 Won Premiers Champion S G1 Won Gauteng Guineas G2
Won Hawaii S G2
Won Golden Horseshoe G2
2nd SA Classic G1
2nd WSB Guineas G2
2nd Graham Beck S G3
3rd Dingaans H G2
4th Gold Challenge G1
CLICK HERE FOR SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT BROCHURE
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
As the golden anniversary of our thoroughbred breeding stud is upon us, we reflect with profound pride on five decades of excellence in the world of thoroughbred breeding. With each passing year, our commitment to breeding champions has only grown stronger, fostering a proud legacy. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of the racing and breeding community, our dedication to quality, integrity, and innovation has been
unwavering.
We are incredibly proud of our best ever season in 2023/24 - our top amount of earnings, best ever finish in the breeders log, best ever number of stakes winners and stakes wins and Gimme being a Champion Sire for the third time and repeating his treble of the sires tables.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to our success - from the visionary owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys, to the tireless grooms and caretakers who ensure the well-being of our majestic athletes.
We feel incredibly blessed to have been part of the wonderful racing industry and the amazing people in it for these 50 years. The racing world has allowed us to take this fantastic journey and we eagerly look ahead to the future. We affirm our commitment to uphold excellence defined by our pursuit of breeding champions.
