Erik The Red

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

Nelson’s Erik The Red was an Column exceptional foal born on

brought to you by 15th September 2017 Varsfontein Stud at Varsfontein Stud and captivated the attention of all who saw him.

Recognising his potential, Carl de Vos contemplated keeping Erik The Red for racing and potentially a future stallion for Varsfontein. ‘Erik’ had a few problems growing up - a colic operation as a foal and some leg treatment - Susan kept thinking that the yearling did not want to be sold.

In preparation for the 2019 National Yearling Sale, two magnificent sons of Captain Al were groomed - Erik The Red and Malmoos, the first being a son and the second a grandson of the Grade 1 winning siblings Covenant and Promisefrommyheart respectively. These yearlings left an indelible impression on Susan and Carl, and after ‘Erik’s’ scope was questionable, a decision was reached - Erik The Red would be retained for racing, ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

while Malmoos went to the sale and was sold for an impressive R4.4 million to Form Bloodstock, representing the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum. Malmoos went on to achieve great success, ultimately winning the Triple Crown and becoming a sire - starting his stud career a year after Erik The Red. RACE RECORD Erik The Red, sired by the illustrious G1 winning miler Captain Al, out of the equally impressive G1

Photo: Wayne Marks

Photo: Wayne Marks Photo: Wayne Marks

winning sprinter/miler Covenant, hails from the distinguished family of Secret Pact. Under the tutelage of Champion trainer Justin Snaith, Erik The Red embarked on his training journey.

‘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: Won JUVENILE PLATE 1000m by 4,75 lengths.

Won Listed SUMMER JUVENILE STAKES

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

1000m at Kenilworth by 1,25 lengths - powering to victory and described as a ‘quality horse’ by Richard Fourie.

Won G3 CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NURSERY 1200m at Kenilworth - Richard Fourie summed it up perfectly in a few words – “lovely horse, bright future”.

Won Listed SOMERSET 1200 at Kenilworth by 4,25 lengths - he had a devastating turn of foot and was giving away more weight than a sumo wrestler, yet started almost unbackable at 3-7, and when Richard Fourie pressed the button, he accelerated

like a ‘Ferrari’ to storm home 4,25 lengths clear.

Fourie said “he’s a racehorse and I wake up in the morning to ride horses like him. He is definitely capable of winning a G1”.

After this win it was decided to send Erik The Red to KZN for the Champions Season.

4th G1 GOLDEN HORSE MEDALLION 1200m at Scottsville, beaten by Equus Champion 2yo Tempting Fate.

3rd G2 GOLDEN HORSESHOE 1400m at Greyville, beaten 1,3 lengths by Nourbese.

Won G2 UMKHOMAZI STAKES 1200m at Greyville by 0,5 lengths - despite not having the easiest of passages and having to be re-shod at the start, ‘Erik’ showed his class when running out a courageous winner. He looked beaten, as the front runner kept finding more, but he rallied under a typically well-judged ride from Richard Fourie and won going away.

Erik the Red was voted Cape Champion 2yo Colt in 2020, and following a well-deserved rest at the farm, a decision was made to set his sights on the prestigious G2 Cape Merchants as a 3yo.

Won G2 CAPE MERCHANTS 1200m at Kenilworth by 0,75 lengths from the older Equus Champion Sprinter, Rio Querari - Erik The Red became the first 3yo to win the Merchants in 22 years. Starting 2-1 favourite, and under a half-kilo sufferance, ‘Erik’ came from off the pace under an ‘oozing with confidence’ Richard Fourie, with a dashing 3/4 length victory in a time of 71,35. This was a win full of merit and character after his 12 week break.

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

AT STUD Trainer Justin Snaith - “Erik the Red is an absolute gentleman to work with. He is one of the toughest and soundest horses I’ve had the pleasure to train.

He has tremendous heart and I cannot wait to see his produce at the sales and on the track - if they’re anything like their dad we have plenty to look forward to”.

Erik The Red commencing his new role as a stallion in the spring. During this period, he had the privilege of covering an impressive total of 102 mares. Varsfontein entrusted some of their finest mares to be mated with him including (G1 winners /producers in bold): Alexia, Alice Springs (AUS), All Mine, American Princess, Arc Lamp, Aunt Polly, Bela-Bela, Black Flame, Bushiri, Castle Pine, Circle

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Candiese Lenferna

Subsequent to his Merchants win, Erik was syndicated as a stallion to start his career in the 2021 breeding season.

GALLERY - ERIK THE RED’S FIRST CROP YEARLINGS FOR 2024 (photos: Carolyn Erasmus)

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

In The Sand, Coyote Girl, Different Light, Falconize (IRE), Gypsy Madonna, Imperial State, Imperious Girl, In The Stars, Kawakami, Kiss And Fly, Kissaway, Kite Runner, Maximum Jet, Miss Texas, Monroe Spring, Preluna (FR), Princess Thiana, Queen Of All, Rocamadour, San Trip, Secret Of Victoria, Secret Risk, Star Express, Summer Cruise, Taffety Tart, Tally-Ho, Timedtoperfection, Watercolormemories (IRE), etc.

In the spring of 2022, the much-anticipated first foals made their arrival, eliciting smiles all round.

The foals were hailed by Carl de Vos as among the finest offspring ever witnessed from a stallion’s inaugural crop at Varsfontein. Fellow breeders, equally captivated by his foals, expressed their interest by seeking to acquire additional shares in Erik The Red. In his second season in 2022, Erik The Red covered an impressive total of 114 mares. This served as a testament to the exceptional quality and promise demonstrated by his first crop. Among the mares from Varsfontein who were chosen for ‘Erik’ in 2022, were: Acey Deucey, Albizia, Bold Move, Circle In The Sand, Cloudsuponcamelot (GB), Congestion Charge (GB), Coyote Girl, Crackpot, Desert Pride, Dolomiti, Europeana, Flying High, Front Club (IRE), Guiding Light, Gypsy Madonna, High Dudgeon, In A Huff, Justthewayyouare, Just Fabulous, Kawakami, Kerdassa (IRE), Kiss And Fly, Kissimmee, Kumiko, Majestic Star, Maledimo, Miss Texas, Our Lady Peace, Peace Flower, Phil’s Dancer, Pollygoneshopping, Queen Of All, Rocamadour, Rotunda, San Trip, Secret Of Victoria, Secret Risk, Shine A Light, Silvery Dream, Siracusa (ITY), Social Spirit, Summer Cruise, Taffety Tart, Tenacity, Touch The Sky, Twice The Trip, Under My Hat, Vision On Ice, Whatsinadream, etc.

Anticipation runs high as we eagerly await the arrival of Erik The Red’s second crop over the forthcoming months.

in SA’s breeding landscape and is often mentioned in the same breath as Jet Master as one of the most influential locally bred stallions to have stood at stud. The battle between Captain Al and Jet Master for the title of Champion First Season Sire in 2005 was truly remarkable. With both stallions producing an impressive tally of 21 2yo winners from their respective first crops, the competition CAPTAIN AL - MALE LINE CROSSES G1 PERFORMERS

SIRE LINE

NORTHERN DANCER Sadler’s Wells

6

Lyphard

4

Nureyev

4

Danzig

2

Rakeen

2

Nijinsky II

1

Storm Bird

1 NEARCO

Royal Charger

3 NASRULLAH

Red God

2

Bold Ruler

1

Never Bend

1

Esplendor

1 NATIVE DANCER

Mr Prospector

7

Centenary

2 RIBOT

Badger Land

3

Sportsworld

1 TEDDY

SIRE - CAPTAIN AL Captain Al holds a position of great significance ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Damascus

1 HYPERION

Fard

1

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

LIKE FATHER

was fierce and closely contested. In the end, Jet Master emerged victorious, claiming not only First Season honours but outright Champion 2yo Sire.

Nevertheless, the epic duel between these two stallions serves as a testament to their exceptional progeny and enduring impact on the SA Racing and Breeding Industry.

Captain Al’s success as a sire is commendable.

He achieved the prestigious title of Champion Sire of 2yo’s for an impressive 8 consecutive seasons, from 2009 to 2016. In addition, Captain Al was crowned Champion SA Sire in 2015. His contributions were further recognised through receipt of the Equus Award for Outstanding Sire in 2009 and 2011.

Captain Al’s statistics highlight his influence with 77% winners to runners and a 10.8% stakes winners to runners. Captain Al is the 2023 Leading Broodmare Sire in SA, R3 million ahead of his nearest rival, Jet Master.

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Captain Al’s influence has reached beyond SA, with his runners making their mark in various international racing jurisdictions. His progeny have competed in Mauritius, Hong Kong, USA, United Arab Emirates, France, Great Britain, Singapore, Australia, and Zimbabwe. This global reach speaks to the versatility and adaptability of Captain Al’s offspring, as they showcased their talent and achieved success around the World.

Captain Al’s other sons at stud include Triple Crown winner Malmoos, G1 Cape Guineas winner William Longsword, Equus Champion Sprinter Captain Of All, and G1 Met winner One World (Equus Champion Older Male 2020).

Captain Al is free of Northern Dancer blood and his most prolific nick was with Northern Dancer line mares - producing 20 G1 performers of which 9 were G1 winners. Fort Wood mares produced 3 G1 winners, followed by Elliodor (1, by Lyphard), Joshua

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

LIKE SON

Dancer (1, by Danzig), Caesour (1, by Nureyev), Polar Falcon (1, by Nureyev) Peintre Celebre (1, by Nureyev) and Giant’s Causeway (1, by Storm Cat).

Native Dancer line mares produced 8 G1 winners from his descendants Western Winter (2, by Gone West), Goldkeeper (2, by Mr Prospector), Centenary

(1, by Alydar), Hussonet (1, by Mr Prospector), Trippi (1, by End Sweep) and Fusaichi Pegasus (1, by Mr Prospector).

The Ribot male line produced 3 G1 winners through Badger Land (2, by Codex) and Sportsworld (1, by Alleged). Other G1 winners are from mares

by Hard Up (1, by Hard Fighter), Red Ransom (1,

by Roberto), London News (1, by Bush Telegraph), Mark Of Esteem (1, by Darshaan) and Fard (1, by Reprimand).

Photo: Carolyn Erasmus

DAM - COVENANT As a sibling to Champion Promisefrommyheart, Covenant was retained by Varsfontein. She was a beautiful, medium sized, high-quality filly and went into training with master-conditioner Mike Bass, who rated her very highly. She won 7 races from 1000 - 1600m and R979,085 and was placed 7 times from 16 runs.

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

ERIK THE RED Hail To Reason Roberto Bramalea Al Mufti (USA) CHAMPION SIRE

Buckpasser Lassie Dear Gay Missile

Captain Al G1 WINNER CHAMPION SIRE

Dewan Complete Warrior (USA) Splendid Spree Off To War Jamaico (FR) Infanta Beylic

Mr Prospector Gone West Secrettame

Western Winter (USA) CHAMPION SIRE

Vice Regent Chilly Hostess Impressive Lady

Covenant G1 WINNER

Jungle Cove (USA) Bush Telegraph Maiden Over

Secret Pact G1 PERFORMER ‘BLUE HEN’ MARE

Nothirdchance Nashua Rarelea Tom Fool Busanda Sir Gaylord Missy Baba Bold Ruler Sunshine Nell Damascus Oak Cluster Prince Taj Suze Field Master (GB) Orientalist Raise A Native Gold Digger Secretariat Tamerett Northern Dancer Victoria Regina Impressive Chilly Bold Ruler Santorin Persian Wonder (GB) No Ball (GB)

Regent Street (ARG)

Gulf Stream

Secret Landing (USA)

First Landing

Soho Secret

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Turn-To

Fair Spoken

Smart Secret

Royal Charger Source Sucree Blue Swords Galla Colors Nasrullah Segula Bull Lea Bleebok Menow Gaga War Admiral Businesslike Turn-To Somethingroyal My Babu Uvira Nasrullah Miss Disco Sun Again Nellie Flag Sword Dancer Kerala Nasrullah Busanda Prince Bio Malindi Wild Risk Dodane Fair Trial Huntress Eastern Emperor (GB) Silverstream Native Dancer Raise You Nashua Sequence Bold Ruler Somethingroyal Tim Tam Mixed Marriage Nearctic Natalma Menetrier Victoriana Court Martial High Voltage Nearctic Cut Flower Nasrullah Miss Disco Greek Song Secret Meeting Persian Gulf Lilac Belle Hill Gail No Appeal Hyperion Tide-Way Sayani Tudor Fair Turn-To Hildene Dedicate Secret Recipe

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

Covenant won the G1 Majorca Stakes, G2 Southern Cross Stakes, G2 Sceptre Stakes (twice), Listed Sweet Chestnut Stakes, and was 3rd in the G1 SA Fillies Sprint, G2 Southern Cross Stakes, G2 Tibouchina Stakes, and 4th in the G1 Mercury Sprint.

Covenant had a stunning Cape 3yo season. After she won the G2 Southern Cross Stakes and the G2 Sceptre Stakes, Susan chatted with Mike Bass over the railing between their boxes at Kenilworth. Susan was sure Covenant would stay the mile and wanted her to run in the G1 Majorca Stakes rather than the G1 Cape Flying Championship. To her mind it was a better option to stay in female company, and this way she would be able to see how she stacked up against the older fillies. Mike thought it a good idea and added that he didn’t think she could beat What A Winter (also a 3yo by Western Winter) in the G1 Cape Flying Championship - who he was certain would win and become a top sprinter.

Karl Neisius rode Covenant in a mile gallop and

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

expressed confidence that she would get the distance under race conditions. Covenant was a well supported 4/1 third favourite, and went on to win the WFA event for fillies and mares on Met Day, beating top fillies Love Is In The Air, Gibraltar Blue and Emerald Cove.

Covenant was kept in training as a 4yo with the objective of giving Susan’s mother a stakes winner on her visit to the Cape in 2012, and the plan succeeded. She won the G2 Sceptre Stakes for the second time, and was led in by Mette Kalmanson and John Kalmanson.

Susan’s mother adored Covenant and hence, when this magnificent colt was born, Susan named him Erik The Red in tribute to her mother’s Danish nationality and Viking ancestry.

On retiring to stud, Covenant produced 6 foals, 5 runners - all winners. Her only progeny ever sold at auction was her 2nd foal - Varallo (Var) - a beautiful colt that was sold to Alesh Naidoo for R2 million at the 2016 National Yearling Sale. Varallo was a leading 2yo in SA, and was later exported to Hong Kong.

Covenant’s first foal was the stakes placed filly Scandola (Fort Wood) - the dam of Cala Muretta (Gimmethegreenlight) - won G2 Gold Circle Debutante on 30th July 2023; and Gimme’s Lassie (Gimmethegreenlight) - 3rd G2 Western Cape Fillies Championship, G3 Prix du Cap and Listed Olympic Duel Stakes (2022/23). Covenant’s 3rd foal Solemn Promise (Judpot) was stakes placed and is the dam of 2 magnificent fillies by Gimmethegreenlight - born

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

in 2021 and 2022 - who have yet to race.

La Folie Douce (f, 2018, by Silvano) Covenant has produced: My Dear Friend (f, 2022, by Master Of My Fate) Scandola ( f, 2013, by Fort Wood), dam of Covenant’s foals were friendly and confident from Gimme’s Lassie (by Gimmethegreenlight) a young age, always ready to greet one and be Cala Muretta (by Gimmethegreenlight) patted - compared to other foals that are normally Varallo (c, 2014, by Var) shy. The sisters Covenant and Promisefrommyheart Solemn Promise (f, 2015, by Judpot) were very different with Covenant being the stronger Erik The Red (c, 2017, by Captain Al) of the two, producing foals with more substance, while Promisefrommyheart was a leggy classic looking filly, and her foals were of a similar type.

Covenant recently passed away after experiencing an unfortunate bout of colic.

Photo: Jeremy Nelson

BROODMARE SIRE: WESTERN WINTER Western Winter retired to stud in 1997 and was a grand looking individual of good size (16.1) and scope, standing over a sizable amount of ground.

He possessed very good bone and a strong frame with good girth and rein, short cannons and a good ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

WESTERN WINTER - MALE LINE CROSSES G1 PERFORMERS

SIRE LINE

NORTHERN DANCER Dancing Champ

3

Northfields

3

Trigger Finger

2

National Assembly

2

Caesour

1

Sadler’s Wells

1

Fort Wood

1

Silvano

1

Palace Music

1

Shoe Danzig

1

Noble Ambition

1

Qui Danzig

1

Northern Guest

1 NASRULLAH

Jallad

3

Bush Telegraph

1

Del Sarto

1

Kenmare

1

Melun

1 ROYAL CHARGER

Best By Test

1 NATIVE DANCER

Centenary

2

Sharp Romance

1

Argosy

1

Dubai Destination

1

Parade Leader

1

ROYAL PREROGATIVE Royal Chalice

2

Man Of Property

1 RIBOT

Badger Land

3 HYPERION

Foveros

2

Priceless Asset

2

Golden Thatch

1

Averof

1 TOURBILLON

Ahonoora

1

hind leg. He had a tremendous action, a wonderful temperament and sired balanced individuals that were tough, sound and trained on.

Western Winter is one of the best performing stallions ever to stand at stud in SA - from 823 foals he had 757 runners, 621 (82%) winners and 92 stakes winners (12,15%) - of these 23 were G1 winners and 35 G1 placed. In fact he had 25% ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

stakes performers (190) to runners. These are superlative statistics and are not as yet matched by any other sire to stand in SA. Western Winter was a G1 performer in the USA, being 2nd in the G1 Metropolitan Mile 1600m, beaten a neck by Langfuhr, and 3rd in the G1 Carter Handicap 1400m - again behind Langfuhr - while beating another Gone West colt, Elusive Quality.

Both Elusive Quality and Langfuhr, like Western Winter, had outstanding careers as stallions.

Western Winter was 3 x Champion SA Sire, and runner-up twice. He was also 3 x Champion Sire of 2yo’s and Champion Broodmare Sire in 2018.

Western Winter was never syndicated and was solely owned by Lammerskraal Stud. It is a testament to Western Winter that he succeeded where so many non-syndicated stallions have failed.

His most successful male line cross was with Northern Dancer line mares - producing 19 G1 performers of which 9 were G1 winners. Dancing Champ (by Nijinsky II) mares produced 3 G1 winners, followed by Northfields (2, by Northern Dancer), Sadler’s Wells (1, by Northern Dancer), Fort Wood (1, by Sadler’s Wells), Caesour (1, by Nureyev) and Trigger Finger (1, by Lyphard).

The Hyperion line, through his speedy descendants Tudor Minstrel and Sing Sing, produced 4 G1 winners through Averof (1, by Sing Sing) and his sons, Foveros (2) and Priceless Asset (1).

The Nasrullah line produced 5 G1 winners through Jallad (2, by Blushing Groom), Melun (1, by Riverman), Bush Telegraph (1, by Jungle Cove) and Del Sarto (1, by Bold Ruler).

The other G1 winners came through mares by Pas de Quoi (2, by Roland Gardens), Royal Chalice (1,

by Royal Prerogative), Badger Land (1, by Codex)) and Ahonoora (1, by Lorenzaccio).

CONCLUSION Taking into account that Captain Al and Western Winter both had their most success with the Northern Dancer male line, it is advisable to send mares by the following sire lines to Erik The Red:

• Sadler’s Wells (Fort Wood, Dynasty, Elusive Fort, Futura, Legislate, Act Of War, Galileo, The United States, Admiral Kitten, Global View, New Predator, etc).

• Nijinsky II (Silvano, Vercingetorix, Hawwaam, Dancing Champ, Russian Fox, Peacetime, Summa Cum Laude, etc).

• Northfields (only available through sire’s dam lines - Declarationofpeace, Last Winter, Pathfork, Red Ray, etc).

• Lyphard (Elliodor, Model Man, Trigger Finger, Alzao, Bellypha, Dancing Brave, etc).

• Nureyev (Caesour, Polar Falcon, Peintre Celebre, Byword, Pivotal, etc).

• Danzig (National Assembly, Danehill, Redoute’s Choice, Rafeef, Snitzel, Heavenly Blue, Real Gone Kid, Commands, Epaulette, Soqrat, Green Desert, Oasis Dream, Querari, Invincible Spirit, Digital Age, War Front, Lancaster Bomber, Fire Away, Declarationofpeace,

ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

Exchange Rate, etc).

• Rakeen (Jet Master, Master Of My Fate, Pomodoro, Skitt Skizzle, Lance, etc).

• Storm Cat (Black Minnaloushe, Var, Eden Roc, Talk Of The Town, Tiger Ridge, Mogok, Tale Of The Cat, Giant’s Causeway, Lion Hearted, etc).

Other influences in Erik the Red’s pedigree must be considered, and these would lead to the following suggestions.

Erik The Red is line-bred to Bold Ruler (5x6x5) and has 6 lines of Nasrullah within 7 generations. Mares carrying the following lines would be beneficial: • Prince Rose / Prince Bio / Prince Taj (out of a full sister to Nasrullah) • Princequillo • Round Table Western Winter is the product of the Mr Prospector x Northern Dancer male line cross and it may be prudent to send sex balanced mares carrying the inverted Northern Dancer x Mr Prospector cross -

examples would be the following: • Galileo • Elusive Fort • Fire Away • Global View • Time Thief • Admiral Kitten Nasrullah lines have also been successful, specifically with mares by: • Jallad • Our Casey’s Boy • Kabool • Comic Blush • Nashwan • Bush Telegraph • London News • Del Sarto • Kenmare • Melun • Mark Of Esteem • Esplendor Royal Charger (Captain Al’s male line) is 3 parts brother to Nasrullah, and has produced G1 performers to the following broodmare sires: • Hard Up • Best By Test • Red Ransom The Native Dancer line (same male line as Western Winter) has produced G1 performers via the following broodmare sires: • Sharp Romance • Argosy • Dubai Destination • Parade Leader • Centenary • Pennekamp • Hussonet • Trippi • Fusaichi Pegasus • Goldkeeper Both Captain Al and Western Winter have produced G1 performers (3 each) to the Ribot line through: ERIK THE RED - by Jeremy Nelson

• Badger Land Captain Al has produced a 4th G1 performer to the Ribot line through: • Sportsworld Further recommendations are mares carrying Sing Sing (Tudor Minstrel - Owen Tudor) through: • Averof • Foveros • Priceless Asset • Reprimand • Fard ‘Erik’ has an extremely high concentration of Lady Josephine in his pedigree, and I would recommend adding as many lines as possible, using stallions that carry large clusters.

Mares with Buckpasser, Busanda, Secret Prospector, Poker, Coastal, Bimelech, etc, would increase the concentration of the great matron La Troienne.

Additional lines of the great foundation mare Somethingroyal may be found in the following pedigrees: • Sir Gaylord • Secretariat • Somethingfabulous • Swansea • Aviacion • American Hero • Syrian Sea • Alada