Leading South African breeders Avontuur Stud have announced the purchase of Coolmore's Danehill stallion Oratorio reports sportingpost.co.za.
Avontuur General Manager Pippa Mickleburgh said that negotiations had been under way for some time and the deal was sealed after a recent whirlwind visit by Avontuur owner Michael Taberer to Coolmore Stud in the NSW Hunter Valley in Australia.
Oratorio was a versatile racehorse, winning from 1200m to 2000m. A Group 1 winning two-yaer-old, Oratorio was also a dual Group 1 winner of the Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes at three. This was the double completed by So You Think (NZ) and champion sires Sadler’s Wells as well as Giant’s Causeway.
He commenced stud duties in Ireland and Australia in 2006.
His first two Australian crops include exciting Group 1 winner Manawanui, New Zealand Group 1 winning two-year-old Banchee and Torio’s Quest, winner of the Group 2 Queensland Guineas and the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
Although Oratorio will only be arriving in SA in January 2013, plans are already well advanced to introduce him to the market and fill his book.
“When I first saw him I just knew he would be perfect for us and the country as a whole. He is incredibly laid- back and a real charmer and will be an asset to Avontuur’s breeding plans as well as add to the quality pool of South African thoroughbreds,” said Taberer.
Oratorio will stand alongside Avontuur’s Forest Wildcat stallion, Var, the sire of recent champion sprinting mare Val De Ra. Avontuur is situated close to Somerset West outside Cape Town.
Manawanui, Group 1 Golden Rose winner by Oratorio, picture Liesl King