Varsfontein Dynasties

© JC Photos

MAIN DEFENDER (SAF)

VARSFON TEI N DYNASTI E S Nelson’s O ne o f t he c urre nt talkin g Column po int s in ho rseracin g

brought to c e nt e rs a ro und th e you by o ngo ing c o mpetition Varsfontein Stud be t w e e n t w o t o p colts, S andr i n g h a m Su m mit a nd Ma in D e f e nde r. Both of t he se i m p r e ssive ra c e rs a re g ra dua tes of Var s f on t e i n St u d . T he ir riva lr y re c e nt l y f lared u p a gai n i n t h e G 3 G r a ha m Be c k S t a k e s, w he re M ain Defend e r e m e r g e d a s t he vic t o r.

I n a pr e v i o u s a r t i c l e , w e de lve d int o t he c a pt iva tin g tal e of Sa n d r i n g h a m S ummit . N o w, it ' s tim e to ex pl or e t h e r i c h hist o r y be hind Ma in D efen d er and ot h e r d i st i n g uishe d g ra de d st a k e s win n ers w i t hi n h i s f a m i l y. This na rra t ive w ill she d lig h t on t he p i v o t a l r o l e s pla ye d in t his suc c e ss stor y b y i nte r n a t i o n a l l y a c c la ime d e xpe rt s su ch as A l ex and r a Sc r o p e , Ba rr y Irw in a nd Ala n C oop er.

Thi s j o u r n e y o f e xc e lle nc e spa ns t w o decad es, c om m e n c i n g w i t h Va rsf o nt e in' s a c quisit ion of A l ex and r a B i .

VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

ALEXANDRA BI (IRE) (1994 by Darshaan - Miss Habit by Habitat) was purchased at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale and was imported by Varsfontein in 2001.

Bloodstock agent Alexandra Scrope (Alex) had acquired Caesour for Varsfontein Stud, and Varsfontein had devised a plan to purchase some fillies and mares for the stallion. 'Alex' Scrope had a strong desire for Varsfontein to obtain a mare by Darshaan (specifically for Caesour), a rarity in the market as they were highly prized. She came across Alexandra Bi at the December Mare Sale, and although she was in foal to Entrepreneur (northern time), which meant waiting a year before moving her south, Susan and John were still enthusiastic.

The acquisition took place over the phone with Susan in Harare, and a day or two later, Alex informed her that the mare was a weaver and that it hadn't been disclosed. Alex negotiated a discounted price, and the deal proceeded. Alexandra Bi eventually gave birth to a filly, and in the following autumn, 1

DARSHAAN (GB)

© Jeremy Nelson

Alexandra Bi was bred (southern time) to Soviet Star (by Nureyev - Veruschka by Venture VII), a colt Susan and John had admired at Ascot in 1987 and 1988. Being by Nureyev, it was the male line cross that Susan, John and Alex wanted. She was then transported to Varsfontein.

The Entrepreneur foal was presented at the December Foal Sale in 2000, where John met up with Alex to oversee the sale. John recalls that the filly showed promise in training, but was then injured and never raced.

Alexandra Bi would have an outstanding career in SA producing 7 stakes winners and stakes placed progeny. She gave birth to her second foal in 2001, a colt named PAVLOVICH (SNL), who was a backward yearling, and did not reach his reserve at the 2003 National Yearling Sale. He was later sold to Geoff Woodruff and raced in the colours of Mr Y Khan.

Over 24 starts spanning four seasons, Pavlovich was unplaced only twice. He achieved remarkable

PAVLOVICH (SNL) AS A YEARLING 2

success, winning 7 races and earning R655,880 in prize money. His victories ranged from 1200 to 2000 meters, with notable achievements including the Memorial Mile L, 2nd in the SA Derby G2, and 3rd in the SA Classic G1. He also secured 4th place in the Daily News 2200 G1, Algoa Cup G3, Wolf Power H L and Drum Star H L. Alexandra Bi has emerged as the matriarch of a flourishing bloodline at Varsfontein, just as other discerning acquisitions have. She boasts a classic pedigree that combines European and American lineage. She is by Darshaan (GB) (by Shirley Heights), a Champion Racehorse and Sire bred by the Aga Khan, trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré and was always ridden by Yves Saint-Martin.

As a 2yo in 1983, Darshaan clinched victory in the prestigious G1 Critérium de Saint-Cloud, setting a race record time of 2:07,40 for 2000m, a record that held until 2010. As a 3yo, Darshaan continued to excel, securing wins in the G2 Prix Hocquart, G2 Prix Greffulhe, and the illustrious French classic, the G1 Prix du Jockey Club. In the 1984 International Classification, Darshaan ranked as the highest rated French trained 3yo and the third highest rated 3yo in Europe.

Darshaan's influence as a broodmare sire is remarkable, with 225 of his progeny achieving stakes winning status in the Northern Hemisphere.

This accomplishment accounts for an impressive 9.1% of his runners in that region. Notably, 28 of these stakes winners are by the renowned Sadler's Wells, and 95 trace their lineage back to Sadler's Wells' male-line descendants. The 9.1% stakes winner-to-runner ratio achieved by Darshaan as a broodmare sire is considered exceptional, a rare feat in the industry.

To truly appreciate Darshaan's impact, it's essential to compare this achievement to the performance of the stallions that covered his mares, which collectively produced a substantially lower stakes winner-to-runner ratio of 6.8%. This stark contrast emphasizes Darshaan's dominant role as a broodmare sire.

VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

HABITAT (USA) Additionally, the quality of Darshaan's 'elite daughters' is exceptional. Typically, mares of this calibre produce stakes winners at a rate of 10.5% to runners. However, Darshaan's 'elite daughters' significantly outperform this standard, achieving an impressive 14.7% stakes winner rate. This outcome stands in favourable comparison to Darshaan's own notable record of 13.3% stakes winners to runners during his time as a sire.

Alexandra Bi's dam Miss Habit is by Habitat (USA) (TFR 134), out of Little Hut (also the dam of Northfields). Habitat was a renowned Americanbred racehorse trained in Britain, whose racing career spanned from April to October 1969, during which he competed in 8 races, emerging victorious

HABITAT'S OWNER CHARLES ENGELHARD with HAWAII VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

in 5 of them.

Remarkably, Habitat did not race as a 2yo, but in 1969, as a 3yo, he established himself as the top European miler. His triumphs included prestigious victories in the G1 Lockinge Stakes and the G2 Wills Mile in England. He further showcased his talent by crossing the English Channel to secure wins in the G3 Prix Quincey and the prestigious G1 Prix du Moulin in France.

Interestingly, despite his racing success, Habitat's owner, Charles Engelhard, had no intentions of standing him as a stallion. Tim Rogers, the owner of the Airlie complex of Irish studs, recognized his potential and approached a select group of breeders. They agreed to invest in Habitat - if he won the Prix du Moulin - and a deal was struck, with 40 shares sold for an unprecedented £10,000 each. Habitat took up residence at Grangewilliam Stud in Co. Kildare, where his initial stud fee was set at £2,750.

Habitat's legacy was equally impressive at stud.

He achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Northern Dancer in the race to sire 100 stakes winners, ultimately reaching a remarkable total of 109. Despite covering smaller books compared to many of his contemporaries, he had only a dozen horses ahead of him in this regard.

As expected, Habitat made a substantial impact as a broodmare sire of European stakes winners.

His daughters were responsible for producing the winners of 164 stakes races, securing him a notable fourth place in the rankings, trailing only behind the illustrious Sadler’s Wells, Darshaan, and Danehill.

Alexandra Bi hails from a prolific family, with her 4th dam being stakes winner Bank Account (USA) (by Shut Out) - ancestress of a multitude of major stakes winners including NONOALCO (USA), STRADAVINSKY (GB), MAXIMOVA (FR), VILIKAIA (USA), FIESTA GAL (USA), IMPECUNIOUS (USA), EXTRAVAGANT (USA), JAAMANIQUE, PHILONIKON, ALEXANDRA ROSE, OLEKSANDRA (AUS), FOREST INDIGO, and recent SA sensation MAIN DEFENDER. This 3

ALEXANDRA ROSE - G3 MONROVIA H USA BARRY IRWIN is largely an American family which has also had great success in Europe and South Africa.

Alexandra Bi's 3rd foal was a filly, born in 2002, and her name was ALEXANDRA ROSE (by Caesour).

Susan noted that she appeared quite advanced for her age but didn't seem to have much room for growth, which prompting Varsfontein to offer her at the 2004 Cape Yearling Sale, where she was purchased by Glen Kotzen. Carl de Vos described her as a "beautiful, high quality filly with substance - Glen Kotzen used to bring her across the road to Varsfontein to weigh her, as he did not yet have his own weighing platform, and every time I saw her, I admired her beauty".

Alexandra Rose won her first 3 races at 2, including the East Cape Fillies Nursery and the G2 Golden Slipper. Susan remembers watching her race "she had remarkable composure and confidence; she would confidently walk into the starting stalls without needing a handler's assistance".

ALEXANDRA ROSE - G2 GOLDEN SLIPPER 4

Team Valor then concluded a transaction to acquire a 50-percent interest from owner Juan van Heerden. The G2 Golden Slipper winner would remain in training with Glen Kotzen and race through her 3yo season in South Africa.

Plans were afoot for the filly to go to Dubai at 4 with Mike de Kock, and to the United States after that.

"I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. van Heerden on a trip to South Africa," said Team Valor president Barry Irwin. "I told him that I was very impressed with the filly's win over 1400 meters in the Golden Slipper G2".

Trainer Glen Kotzen recalls - "She was bought

GLEN KOTZEN VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

OLEKSANDRA (AUS) - G1 JAIPUR STAKES for a new client of mine - Juan Van Heerden - for a bargain price, as at the sale she had a severe sweet itch, and her mane had been hogged. But had you looked beneath this, as she was the most magnificent specimen - she was well balanced, had a deep girth, a big bold eye and moved beautifully."

"On my visit to Arrowfield Stud in Australia some years later, I recognized her standing in a camp with none other than Champion Australian filly Miss Finland. She was in very good company and it was such a wonderful surprise to see her once again.

Louis Le Metayer of Astute Bloodstock could not believe his eyes that I recognized her after so many years. One never forgets a good horse and she was that and more."

Alexandra Rose went on to finish 2nd in the G1 Cape Fillies Guineas and 3rd in the G1 Majorca S and then travelled to Dubai where she was 2nd in the Darley Cape Verdi S L, and won the G3 Monrovia H at Santa Anita in the USA. Jockey Rafael Bejarano said "she’s a very good horse.”

Barry Irwin retired Alexandra Rose to stud, and sent her to Australia where she was covered by his G1 Kentucky Derby and G1 Dubai World Cup winner, Animal Kingdom. From this mating, she VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

produced a filly called OLEKSANDRA (AUS), who was sent to the USA to race in Team Valor's colours.

Oleksandra was Graded placed twice before winning the G3 Buffalo Trace Franklin County S by 2 lengths. She was then 2nd in the G3 Monrovia H before going on to win the G1 Jaipur S over 1200m. Her final race was in the G3 Poker S (for colts and fillies) over 1600m, where she beat Raging Bull (by Dark Angel) by a head. Raging Bull (a sire at Gainesway USA) is a multiple G1 winner of the Hollywood Derby and Shoemaker Mile.

“I think today was her day,” said Barry Irwin. “She had a nice little run, had that great prep. She loves

ALEXANDRA ROSE - AT STUD IN AUSTRALIA 5

MAIN DEFENDER Mr Prospector Forty Niner File Distorted Humor Danzig Danzig's Beauty Sweetest Chant

Pathfork (USA) Northern Dancer Sadler's Wells Fairy Bridge Visions Of Clarity Riverman Imperfect Circle Aviance

Seattle Slew A.P. Indy Weekend Surprise Judpot (USA) Nureyev Miesque Pasadoble

Alessia Nureyev Caesour (USA) Don't Sulk Alexia Darshaan Alexandra Bi (IRE) Miss Habit 6

Raise A Native Gold Digger Tom Rolfe Continue Northern Dancer Pas De Nom Mr Leader Gay Sonnet Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Never Bend River Lady Northfields (USA) Minnie Hauk Bold Reasoning My Charmer Secretariat Lassie Dear Northern Dancer Special Prove Out Santa Quilla Northern Dancer Special Graustark Dinner Partner Shirley Heights Delsy Habitat London Bird

Native Dancer Raise You Nashua Sequence Ribot Pocahontas Double Jay Courtesy Nearctic Natalma Admiral's Voyage Petitioner Hail To Reason Jolie Deja Sailor Gay Rig Nearco Lady Angela Native Dancer Almahmoud Hail To Reason Lalun Forli Thong Nasrullah Lalun Prince John Nile Lily Northern Dancer Little Hut Sir Ivor Best In Show Boldnesian Reason To Earn Poker Fair Charmer Bold Ruler Somethingroyal Buckpasser Gay Missile Nearctic Natalma Forli Thong Graustark Equal Venture Sanctus II Neriad Nearctic Natalma Forli Thong Ribot Flower Bowl Tom Fool Bluehaze Mill Reef Hardiemma Abdos Kelty Sir Gaylord Little Hut Mystic II Overdrawn

VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

ALBIZIA

ALESSIA AS AYEARLING

FOREST INDIGO - G1 GOLDEN HORSESHOE

VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

© Jeremy Nelson

© Candiese Lenferna © Carolyn Erasmus

Belmont Park. They were smoking. We got Rosario on her again. It just had all the earmarks of her day.”

Alexandra Bi's next foal was a filly named ALBIZIA (by Fort Wood) who won 4 races for Varsfontein, and retired to stud in 2009.

Her first foal was a compact colt (very like his dam) named FOREST INDIGO (by Judpot) - winner of the G1 Golden Horseshoe, 2nd G1 Premier's Champion S, G2 Gauteng Guineas, and 3rd in the Gatecrasher S. Alexandra Bi produced ALEXIA (by Caesour) in 2007. She was unremarkable on the racetrack, but is the dam of 5 winners including stakes winner ATTICUS FINCH (by Master Of My Fate), who has

won his last 4 starts culminating in the G3 Victory Moon Stakes at Turffontein on 4th November 2023. Carl de Vos remembers "Atticus Finch was a beautiful yearling, but was immature, and he went through the sales-ring at the 2021 National Yearling Sale, without reaching his reserve. Afterwards we had a rush of people out back, but Alec Laird had got to me first, so he got first option. After viewing the yearling again he confirmed the sale, although he still needed to find a buyer, he liked the horse and had to have him." Atticus Finch was sold for R150,000. Susan stated "The mating was done to give some scope to the mare and 'Master' seems to like some extra Northern Dancer - we had sent her to him two years before, resulting in Tenacity who was really nice, so this was the repeat mating".

Alexia is also the dam of stakes winner ALL AT ONCE (by Captain Al) and the stakes placed Expedite (by Judpot). Her daughter Andermatt (by Western Winter) has produced THEFUTUREISBRIGHT (by Futura) - winner of the Durbanville Cup L, 2nd Pocket Power Stakes G3, 3rd Chairman's Cup G3, Settlers Trophy L, etc.

The narrative unfolds with Alan Cooper, the Racing Manager for the Niarchos family (Jagessar Limited), making a significant acquisition at the 2014 National Yearling Sales, where he purchased ALESSIA (by Judpot - Alexia).

Alan Cooper tells the story: "I remember being at the National Sale in April 2014, looking at the Judpot yearlings. Amongst the attractions of Alessia was

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© Jeremy Nelson

ATTICUS FINCH AS A YEARLING that she was not only by the Niarchos bred Judpot, her dam Alexia was by the Niarchos raced Caesour, a colt that I always liked at Francois Boutin’s yard.

Alessia was good looking, as reflected in her sales price of R1 million. The mating with Pathfork,

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which produced Main Defender, came about in a way because Pathfork was a Niarchos homebred and because of the inbreeding to the great mare Special".

Despite a limited racing career with trainer Mike de Kock, having just 8 starts, Alessia managed to clinch victory in 2 races and was placed twice.

Following her retirement, she returned to the place of her birth at Varsfontein, where she foaled down MAIN DEFENDER, a colt by Pathfork. The yearling colt was subsequently sold at the 2022 Cape Yearling Sale to trainer Tienie Prinsloo for R140,000, for owners Messrs JJ Habib, G, K & MM Nassif.

Main Defender made a remarkable debut by winning his maiden over 1100 meters on yielding turf at Scottsville. However, a change in trainer, due to owner John Habib's health complications, led to Main Defender's transfer to Tony Peter at Turffontein. John Habib wanted the horse to be VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

© Jeremy Nelson

MAIN DEFENDER AS A YEARLING trained in his hometown of Johannesburg.

Under the care of Tony Peter, Main Defender continued to impress, securing 2 consecutive victories over 1400m and 1300m, culminating in the Bloodstock SA Cup at Greyville.

He was then entered for the G1 Premiers Champion Stakes at Greyville over 1600m, where he ran 2nd to Sandringham Summit - the 2023 Equus Champion 2yo Colt. This was Main Defender's sole defeat in his six starts to date.

On the 7th October 2023, Main Defender ran in the G2 Jo’burg Spring Challenge over 1450m, where he annihilated his opposition by a winning margin of 6,5 lengths. Main Defender subsequently competed in The G3 Graham Beck Stakes over 1400m on 28th October 2023, where he faced his nemesis Sandringham Summit. This was considered by many to be a match race between the two - In a memorable battle over the final 250m, VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

Main Defender, who had been backed to 9-10, dug deep to hold off the Niewenhuizen star Sandringham Summit by a nose in a time of 84,56 seconds. It was a memorable day for Varsfontein, as their graduates filled the first 3 places with Gimmeanotherchance

TIENIE PRINSLOO 9

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MAIN DEFENDER - BETWAY JOBURG SPRING CHALLENGE G2 back in third.

Tony Peter praised the colt's straightforward nature and ease of training. He describes him as an 'athletic horse with a remarkable, elastic action'. The team has ambitious plans for Main Defender, and

TONY PETER 10

are contemplating future campaigns in Cape Town and Durban, confident in the gelding's potential to achieve even greater success.

Alexandra Bi produced the filly ALESSANDRIA (by Fort Wood) in 2008 - she was retained by Varsfontein and trained by Geoff Woodruff. She was 2nd in the Oaks Trial over 2000m and unfortunately died in training.

In 2009 Alexandra Bi gave birth to a magnificent colt named ALEXANDRA PALACE (by Jet Master) who was sold at the inaugural Cape Premier Yearling Sale in 2011 to Patrick Shaw for R2,5 million. Trained by Mike de Kock, he won the Sea Cottage Stakes in SA before winning in Dubai and Singapore.

Alexandra Bi produced the colt MASTERLY (by Jet Master) In 2010 who was sold on the 2012 National Yearling Sale for R1,050,000 to Michael De Broglio. He won 7 races ncluding the G3 Algoa VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

© JC Photos

MAIN DEFENDER - GRAHAM BECK G3

© Carolyn Erasmus

Cup, and was placed 10 times.

In 2012 Alexandra Bi produced the filly ALEXA (by Caesour) who was retained by Varsfontein and sent into training with Geoff Woodruff. She won 3 races including the Syringa H and was placed 5 times.

She is the dam of 2 runners including Hey Siri (2019

by Ideal World), who has won twice to date.

At the age of 19, Alexandra Bi gave birth to her final foal in 2013, a magnificent filly called BI POT (by Judpot) who raced in Varsfontein's colours she was 2nd in the G2 Ipi Tombe Challenge, G2 Gerald Rosenberg Stakes, and 3rd in the G1 SA Fillies Classic and G3 Yellowwood Handicap. She retired to stud in 2018 and has produced 3 unraced foals to date.

This family has achieved the remarkable feat of producing graded stakes winners on consecutive weekends and has establishing itself as a significant influence on the South African breeding industry.

Thoroughbred breeding is a complex, multigenerational endeavor that involves meticulously assembling the various elements of a horse's pedigree. The concept is exemplified perfectly in this context.

BI POT AT STUD VARSFONTEIN DYNASTIES - by Jeremy Nelson

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