Jehan Malherbe has been part of the South African racing and breeding industry for over 35 years. He joined Form Bloodstock Agency in 1977, joining founder Charles Faull. Despite remaining small and selective, thanks to Malherbe, Form Bloodstock’s purchases have already won over 200 stakes races with over 55 Group One races. Jehan Malherbe has also been the senior announcer/commentator at all Cape race tracks for 40 years. In recent years, he has also started consulting for some leading owners and to Mike De Kock racing. Malherbe has travelled the world sourcing top quality bloodstock. With BSA’s National Yearling Sale around the bend, The Impact had the opportunity to chat with Jehan Malherbe about this year’s offering and South Africa’s growing bloodstock industry:
Q: What do you think about this year’s Sale Catalogue? Which first-crop sires should buyers keep an eye on?
A: This year’s catalogue is one of the strongest in recent years at the top end, with some traditionally strong vendors back selling here. The numbers have increased- (so the “middle market” is bigger) - which will probably drag the average down. There are some exciting new freshman sires, but I’m no good at tipping them.
Q: How often do you attend this Sale?
A: I’ve attended every National Sale since 1974- but only purchased for the first time in 1986.
Q: What have been your highlight purchases from this sale in the previous years?
A: We’ve been lucky enough to source a host of Champions and at 15 Gr.1 winners at this sale. Our first and only purchase in 1986 was dual Classic winner Cool Star. More recently Vercingetorix and Capetown Noir were both official Champions who have started as exciting young sires. Captain America cost R400k and won 3 Gr.1’s and over R6 million. Current 3-y-o’s Hawwaam and Barahin both look exciting prospects. Monk’s Hood was a very good 3yo last year- he has been sold to Hong Kong and renamed Grace and mercy. We look forward to watching him there.
Q: You've had incredibly talented horses pass through your hands/ through your stable. What characteristics do you think the good ones have in common?
A: With regards to confirmation, many faults you can forgive but a deep girth is one thing they all have in common.
Q: What are the characteristics of the horses which you choose? What is your standard buying process?
A: I’m big on pedigree. I do a lot of pedigree analysis and don’t like to look at horses that don’t meet my criteria. Once I have my list, we look at those horses - and then try to buy those we like.
Q: What stallions do you like as broodmare sires?
A: Most of the very good sires here are making it as broodmare sires. Jet Master and Captain Al both look exceptional. Fort Wood, Western Winter, Silvano are obvious candidates. I have a soft spot for Rich Man’s Gold; he’s done really well with very few numbers.
Q: Do you think the study pedigrees help set the foundation of good horse purchases? (Or is it's more weighted towards confirmation?)
A: As stated above, I’m a big pedigree man. Obviously, confirmation is important, they go hand in hand.
Q: When choosing a yearling, do you lean toward what is more commercially popular? Or do you run more strictly along the lines of how you think the pedigrees will best complement each other? Or is it a more of a balance?
A: Hopefully the yearling one chooses isn’t commercially popular- then you can afford it! Sadly, the well-bred, good lookers attract all the major buyers.
Published in The Impact 9 Issue, 2 Vol
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