Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm’s perennial leading sire Var was represented by his eighth G1 winner when daughter Sommerlied won the G1 South African Fillies Sprint at Scottsville on Saturday.

Bred and owned by Maine Chance Farms, the 4yo filly had won the G3 Poinsettia Stakes last time out over the same course and distance.
Sommerlied, trained by Dennis Drier, is the third Var filly to win the South African Fillies Sprint following in the footsteps of Val De Ra and Via Africa.

The latter won it twice-scoring in 2013 and 2014.

Ridden to victory by Sean Veale, Sommerlied, who could well be retired after this win, ran on well to beat favourite Magical Wonderland by a length and a half in Saturday’s 1200m contest, with G3 winner Neptune’s Rain back in third.

She has now won seven of 12 outings, and has earnings of R994 375.

Her sire Var, last season’s Champion Sire of 2YOs, is enjoying another great season. The G1 winning son of Forest Wildcat is not only responsible for the 2018 G1 South African Fillies Sprint winner but is also sire of G2 SA Nursery hero William The Silent –who was named Champion 2YO Colt at the recent Highveld RA Awards ceremony.

Var is also sire of smart speedster Speedpoint, who ran third in the recent G1 Computaform Sprint, 2018 Listed Lady’s Pendant winner Star Burst Galaxy, and G2 SA Fillies Nursery second Ghaalla.