Drakenstein Stud’s leading young stallion What A Winter enjoyed a day to remember when he had a smart looking double at Durbanville on Saturday.

The triple Equus Champion, and former Leading First Crop Sire, was represented by his fourth 2yo winner this season when his two-year-old son Sacred Arrow won at the second time of asking over 1250m for trainer Candice Bass-Robinson and breeders, Gary Player Stud.

The well bred colt, bred on similar lines to G1 winners Nania, Red Ray and Set Afire,  was a R250 000 buy from the 2017 Cape Premier Yearling Sale.

What A Winter’s second Saturday Durbanville winner came when his 3yo gelded son Royal Marine broke his maiden over1000m for trainer Greg Ennion and jockey Richard Fourie. Bred by the Danika Stud, Royal Marine, who has now won or placed five times, is out of the Kalanisi mare Irish Royal.

A four time G1 winner, who earned over R3 million, What A Winter is South Africa’s Leading First Crop Sire (by stakes).
According to Arion, What A Winter’s progeny have earned in excess of R7.2 million, with his top runners including the brilliant graded winners Dutch Philip and Magical Wonderland, as well as unbeaten Kuda Sprint hero Agent Of Fortune.

What A Winter, who shares his champion sire Western Winter with the likes of LONGINES rankings’ star Last Winter and recent G3 Abu Dhabi Championship winner Light The Lights, has 14 lots on the April Yearling Sale, and 20 lots on the 2018 Emperors Palace National Yearling Sale.