Tragedy struck Suzette and Basie Viljoen’s fledgling Wellington-based breeding operation Hopes And Dreams Stud this week.
Tragedy as SA Horse Of The Year dies while giving birthreported with sadness on a tragic loss for not only the new breeders but for the broader local breeding industry.There was great anticipation in South African breeding circles in August 2023 when the Sporting Post reported on a ‘star alliance’ of two Justin Snaith champions who were arch-rivals for the SA Horse Of The Year crown in the 2021/22 in an equine ‘marriage made in heaven’.
In addition to nine wins from his 19 career starts, the Drakenstein-bred Jet Dark boasts the distinction of being named 2020/21 Equus Champion three-year-old colt, 2020/21 and 2021/22 Equus Champion Miler, 2021/22 Equus Champion Older Male and 2021/22 Equus Champion Middle Distance Horse. He repeated the feat in 2022, beating Kommetdieding in both the 2022 Grade 1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Grade 1 Champions Cup and put the final seal on his glittering career with victory in the 2023 Grade 1 WSB Cape Met.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wilgenhof: 121-year-old residence set to be closed for a yearThe Wilgenhof residence is set to reopen in 2026 after undergoing renovations. It's uncertain if the name will be changed.
Read more »
Chiefs Scramble In Three-Horse Race For RadebeChiefs Scramble In Three-Horse Race For Radebe
Read more »
Rassie: Manie must get back on the horseRassie Erasmus has shed more light on the thinking behind backing embattled Manie Libbok to start in the Rugby Championship title decider against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday.
Read more »
‘Libbok must get back on the horse and ride,” says ErasmusSpringbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained his reasoning behind picking Manie Libbok despite the flyhalf's kicking woes.
Read more »
A guide to South African horse racing: Tradition, excitement, and how to get involvedWhether you attend a live race or place your bets online, there’s no denying the thrill that horse racing brings
Read more »
WATCH: Springboks’ Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets back on the horse after successful knee surgerySpringboks playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu posted a video on Instagram this week of him getting back on the horse following a knee injury.
Read more »