The Cape racing and breeding industry lost a much valued member with the recent passing of David Allan.
David’s love for racing started early, as he watched racing as a child -when he proved astute enough to pick a number of winners of the legendary Grand National Steeplechase.
After university, David moved to Japan where he lived for 18 years, where The Sporting Life kept him well in touch with the goings of the horse-racing industry.
He first came to South Africa in the early 2000’s, where David imported brilliant G1 July Cup winner Lake Coniston to the country.
Other sires managed by Allan Bloodlines in South Africa included Stagelight, Where’s That Tiger and the hugely successful Elusive Fort.
David also managed the South African stud career of the impeccably bred Alado, whose owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing won this year’s G1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Alado’s close relative Alpinista.
However, Allan Bloodlines operated widely in the world -in over 30 years, David was active in the UK, USA and, for 17 years, in Kazakhstan.
David leaves behind wife Yoshiko
He will be missed by the Cape Breeders Club and condolences go out to his family in its entirety.