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History
of Varsfontein Stud
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The
Very Beginning
Varsfontein
Stud was started by Anthony Kalmanson in 1974. An enthusiastic
owner and amateur rider, Tony rode in races in England, South
Africa and Rhodesia, and he won the first South African Steeplechase
on Thunder Peel in 1969. A leading buyer at the National Yearling
Sales his top racehorses included Attila, Top Brass and the
fillies Indira (Paddock Stakes), Kendal Green (Fillies Guineas)
and Singing Winds (Clairwood Free Handicap). With his top fillies
retiring to stud, Tony bought Varsfontein - a wine farm near
Paarl, and his friend and riding adversary Hennie de Jager became
the manager. The farm still sends grapes to the nearby Perdeberg
Winery but horses are the primary concern.
The Progeny
The very
first yearling sold by Varsfontein was Kings Rhapsody, a son
of Singing Winds who won ten races for Laurie and Jean Jaffee
including the Smirnoff. Other Grade 1 winners produced by the
stud include Jumpup and Kissme, Enchanting (and also the dam
of Champion Harry's Charm), This England, Marie Galante and
Tickets and Tax. Champions born and raised at Varsfontein include
Young Rake and Spook Express.
The Sires
Mexico II (GB) was the first stallion
to make Varsfontein his home. He was Champion Sire of 2 year
olds in 1979/80 and 1980/81. As the sire of Champion Sire Harry
Hotspur and a leading broodmare sire, he mad a huge impact on
the breed in South Africa. Fair Season (GB), imported by Sir
Mordaunt Milner in 1982 is now in retirement. A very well-supported
stallion, he sired Jungle Warrior, Tickets and Tax, La Mancha,
Turbo Star, London Season, etc. Caesour (USA), selected for
Varsfontein by Alexandra Scrope, arrived in 1996 and his first
crop made an exciting debut on the tracks in 1999/2000. His
first crop include Classic winner Caughtintheslips and graded
stakes placed runners Diplomat and Caesars Warrior plus Hail
Caesour and Emperors Dance.
The Second Generation
Tony Kalmanson died in 1979 and
Hennie de Jager retired in 1988. Varsfontein Stud is now managed
by Carl de Vos and his wife Amanda, and is owned by Mette (Tony's
widow) and her three children John, Susan and Monique.
The Broodmares
Daughters
and grand-daughters of the two Foundation Mares Indira and Kendal
Green still grace Varsfontein's paddocks, indeed pride of place
goes to Marie Galante (Mexico II - Indira) - dual grade 1 winner.
Since the 1970's, the stud has imported mares to upgrade local
stock. These include Lyshaan (UK stakes placed by Ahonoora from
the family of Jungle Cove and dam of Cowabunga and Thingumajig),
Riding Light (by Topville from the Queen of Light family and
dam of Dacha),Oak Fly (by Woodman), etc. |
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History
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