Drakenstein Stud’s successful resident stallion Philanthropist was represented an eye catching two-year-old winner at the Vaal’s classic track on Thursday.

His gelded son Ganesh Talai won on debut by 1.3 lengths for breeder Normandy Stud and trainer Johan Janse Van Vuuren.

Ganesh Talai, who was produced by the Gulch mare Indian Torrent, proved too strong for 4-10 favourite What A Captain in Thursday’s 1000m contest and looks potentially useful..

A buy from the, Ganesh Talai is the eighth juvenile winner this season for Philanthropist, whose 2yo son Clifton Crusher lines up in Saturday’s G2 Durban Golden Horseshoe on Vodacom Durban July day.

Other smart 2yo winners for Philanthropist this season include debut winner Heaven’s Reward and G1 contender Vivir.

Currently the second Leading All-Weather sire in North America, Philanthropist was North America’s Leading All-Weather Sire, by earnings, in 2014.

A son of breed shaping sire Kris S, and from the family of leading sires National Assembly, Sovereign Dancer and What A Pleasure, Philanthropist’s most notable runners include champions Pender Harbour and Phil’s Dream, as well as South African/Hong Kong star Singapore Sling.