Regardless of who owns the horses bred and raised on Varsfontein Stud, all are subject to the same “winning recipe”. So our excitement is no less when our clients taste success on the race course as it adds “proof to the pudding”. This recipe of success has proven it’s worth time and time again as Varsfontein breds continue to add feathers to our cap.
A prime example is this year’s Durban July winner, Belgarion. By Dynasty, he was foaled down on Varsfontein in the 2015 breeding season from the imported mare Riva (GER) who is by Acatenango (GER). His breeders Mr & Mrs Foster have been a part of the Varsfontein family for years, and they have had great success breeding horses here. Some more recent examples of their stakes winners include Tap ‘O Noth, Doublemint, Black Arthur, Strathdon, Petala, Robert The Bruce and Racine.
Belgarion pictured with his dam, Riva (GER), when he was 1 week old
John Freeman wrote in his post-July newsletter:
“Congrats and thanks all round and most especially to Belgarion’s owner/breeders Alec and Gillian Foster, Snaith Racing and of course to Varsfontein who look after the Fosters’ broodmares and their progeny so well. Many years ago when I worked with the British Bloodstock Agency I was often reminded that anyone can buy a champion, breeding and racing what you breed at the top of the game is the ultimate accolade. Alec and Gillian really have been loyal to South African racing for 34 years and have enjoyed much success at the top end of the game. Their first Gr1 winner was Steamy Window in 1993. Their current star Belgarion, now a winner of his last 5 starts since being gelded adds yet another Gr1 trophy to their impressive stakes cabinet. They are current leading breeders by AEPR and by percentage of winners to runners and also lead by percentage of stakes winners to runners. This season they are again amongst the top five by number of stakes races won by their 22 runners who have rewarded them with 12 winners of 25 races including 4 stakes winners of 7 stakes races which provide another series of admirable statistics.”
Mr & Mrs Foster viewing their horses at Varsfontein with John Freeman