Drakenstein Stud’s leading young sire What A Winter was represented by a seventh first crop winner when his 2yo daughter Fancifilly won in open company at the Vaal on Thursday afternoon.

Making just her second racetrack appearance, the Louis Goosen trained Fancifilly was always handy in the maiden plate over 1000m and stretched clear nicely to register a 2.1 length victory.

Bred by the Normandy Stud, Fancifilly was a R650 000 purchase at last year’s Cape Premier Yearling Sale and is bred on the same What A Winter/Fort Wood cross as stakes winner Fort Winter.

What A Winter, who is currently South Africa’s Leading First Crop Sire by prize money, has made a sensational start to his stud career.

To date, What A Winter sired two-year-olds have picked up five stakes races, including the G3 Cape Of Good Hope Nursery, Listed Kenilworth Fillies Nursery, Listed East Cape Nursery, Listed Somerset 1200 and Listed Perfect Promise Sprint.

What A Winter, whose juveniles have already earned over R1 000 000 in prize money this season, ranks above such top class sires as Judpot, Redoute’s Choice and Dynasty on South Africa’s Leading Sire of 2YOS table.

A four time G1 winner, and triple Equus Champion Sprinter, What A Winter will stand for a fee of R50 000 in 2017 and is fully booked for the season ahead.