GLOBAL SIRE DELIVERS QUALITY IN SOUTH AFRICA

After more than a year of waiting, the first foals by globally proven and respected stallion Oratorio, are being born in South Africa and they do not disappoint.

Avontuur Estate General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh, where Oratorio stands, has this to say: “With a confirmed total of 44 international stakes winners to his name, he is holding his own on the international stage, and the South African chapter seems to be starting off on a high. His first foals reflect many of his own strengths and are described as strong, sturdy, robust and balanced.”

A highlight around his first SA crop include the quality of the foals out of maiden mares like Gr 1 winner Bambina Stripes and Varsity Queen, who is a full sister to Schiffer. “We often find that first foals out of maiden mares are smaller and more delicate than later crops, but in Oratorio’s case these new moms have thrown exceptional foals,” Pippa continues.

Encouraging reports are being recorded from other breeders like Gary and Jackie Joliffe of Golden Touch Thoroughbreds who are impressed with their Oratorio colt out of Rose Garden, who is the half-sister to champion race horse Soft Falling Rain.

Henry and Pat Devine are thrilled with their superb colt out of Scarlett Causeway by Giants Causeway. Highlands Farms are excited to report that the dam of Soft Falling Rain, Gardener’s Delight was delivered of a stunning filly, who seems set to follow in her famous family’s footsteps.

Pam Lowe is over the moon with her magnificent filly out of Key to Heaven and Backworth Stud in KZN reports a tall, strong, leggy colt out of Lewinsky’s Lover.

Avontuur’s own champion race mare, River Jetez and talented A Daughter’s Legacy recently had impressive foals sired by Oratorio too which adds to the positive impressions. With his book full for the year with a group of outstanding mares, we look forward to an exciting future for his progeny in South Africa.




Champion race mare River Jetez with her Oratorio filly.

Lovely pic

The only SAF based sire on the world list

www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thorough...-lists/international

Most Famous son winning today

SON OF ORATORIO MAKES HIS COME BACK IN THRILLING RACE

Military Attack yesterday rewarded his fans by coming in first in a thrilling finish in Hong Kong in the HKG2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy (Handicap) over a mile.

The 6 yo son of Oratorio and one time Hong Kong horse of the year, caught up with Champion Miler Gold-Fun to win by a short-head in a time of 1.34.37s in his return to winning form after switching trainers from the John Moore Stable to Caspar Fownes during the summer.

According to trainer Fownes, his next outing will probably be the G2 Longines Jockey Club Cup over 2000m followed by the second richest 2000m turf race in the world, the HK$ 25 million Longines Hong Kong Cup on 14 December.

This was his first win over a mile since May 2012 with his major victories in the past at 2000m, most notably the G1 Audemars Piquet QEII Cup and the G1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, both in 2013.

With the first of resident stallion, Oratorio’s crop now being born in South Africa, Avontuur Estate GM Pippa Mickleburgh is understandably elated by this performance. “We’ve worked with Oratorio for two years at Avontuur and he is producing strong, robust foals according to reports from the various breeders around the country. We are looking forward to seeing them at the yearling sales in 2016 and obviously on race courses around the country later on,” she says.

Bob Brogan wrote: The only SAF based sire on the world list

www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thorough...-lists/international

There goes that then. Since he's now based here he'll gradually drop off the list.

Marc Lingard wrote:

Bob Brogan wrote: The only SAF based sire on the world list

www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thorough...-lists/international

There goes that then. Since he's now based here he'll gradually drop off the list.

www.sportingpost.co.za/2014/12/tattersal...-2014-oratorio-tops/

Close but no Cigar,Military Attack finishing 2nd in the Grade1 Hong Kong Cup yesterday

Mourinho just finished 3rd in a grade1 in Australia (unlucky not to be 2nd) at the age of 8.

What a great horse, hes now won a grade3 over 2200m a grade2 over 1200m and grade1 placed.. could be some fun had with Oratorio in South Africa