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Jehan Malherbe has been part of the South African racing and breeding industry for over 35 years. After over four decades in the industry, Malherbe chooses to remain small and selective. He has travelled the world sourcing top quality bloodstock for several leading owners and he also acts as a consultant to Mike De Kock Racing. Malherbe owned-Form Bloodstock’s purchases have won over 200 stakes races including 55 Group One races.
Once again Malherbe is the top buyer at the 2020 National Yearling Sale (organised by Bloodstock South Africa). The Impact had the opportunity to chat with the highly talented and experienced bloodstock agent about his purchases, favourite horses and much more.
Q: You were one of the top buyers (in both quality and quantity) at the BSA National Yearling Sale. Could tell us more about your plans for your high-value purchases?
A: Sacred Ibis was purchased for an overseas-based client and goes into training with Brett Crawford. Redmayne, Lets Twist Again and Royal Guide were all purchased on behalf of Mike De Kock for various clients of his. Motown Magic was purchased for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum and will also be trained by Mike de Kock.
[Jehan Malherbe’s purchases were 1) Scarlet Ibis (Silvano X Dashing Scarlet) sold by Wilgerbosdrift for SAR 4,500,000 2) Redmayne (Silvano X Hannah Gorgeous) sold by Avontuur Thoroughbred Farm for SAR 1,800,000, 3) Lets Twist Again (Silvano X Liberty Dance) sold by Wilgerbosdrift for SAR 1,600,000, 4) Royal Guide (Gimmethegreenlight X Royal Fantasy) sold by Ascot Stud for SAR 1,400,000 5) Motown Magic (Uncle Mo X Ubiquitous Mantle) sold by Mauritzfontein Stud for SAR 1,400,000 6) Flying Esteban (Dynasty X Franny) sold by Mauritzfontein for SAR 900,000]
Q: What has been the most successful horse you've purchased at this sale? Please tell us more.
A: I’ve been lucky enough to select a number of Group One winners and official Champions at this sale.
Capetown Noir, Kildonan, Nother Russia are names that spring to mind, but I suppose the most successful financially would have to be Vercingetorix. At the current exchange rate, he cost the equivalent of US$84,000. He was unbeaten Champion 3YO here, won US$1,6 million abroad including a Gr.1, returned home and is now the hottest young sire in the Land.
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Q: Please tell us what was your experience at this yearling sale given the situation with COVID? Have you been able to inspect the horses as you do traditionally?
A: Prior to the sales air travel was banned, so we could only initially inspect those at farms nearby.
However, by the time the postponed sale was held, travel had opened again, and it was business as usual. A lot of horses were withdrawn from the sales (some vendors wouldn’t risk travel, others were sold off the farms), so it was actually easier to get through the inspections at the sales ground.
Q: What do you look for when you buy horses? How do you shortlist the horses you are looking at buying? Typically how many horses do you buy in a year? Do you have a price range you don't exceed - come what may? What sales are a 'must-attend' for you every year?
A: Like every buyer, I’m looking for athletes. Pedigree plays a big role, a very small percentage outrun their pedigree. (But we all have different ideas on what exactly is “well-bred”).
Locally I usually end up with between 10 to 15 a year (some horses I sign for on behalf of clients are not those I selected). Internationally, we usually get a few from the Southern Hemisphere and a few up North, prices permitting. We have been very lucky at both GoffsOrby and Inglis in Australia- we try to make those “must attend” events. No matter how much everyone might like a yearling, it can still turn out bad. Setting price limits is important to survive in the long term.
Q: Please tell us about the top racehorses you own currently and your plans over the next few years?
A: I try hard not to own horses, but they seem to accumulate. Currently, I have a small share in Queen Supreme which we bought at Goffs. She has already won a Gr.1here and we have hopes of further success, maybe even an International campaign - if ever exports open up.
Q: Please tell us your most favourite horse and why?
A: Impossible to answer. There are a few close to my heart.
I had shares in both the Right Approach and Archipenko who both won International Gr.1’s for us.
They both took us all on a ride around the World which was very special.
I bought Mubtaahijfor HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum the Arqana Sale. He won the UAE Derby by a record-breaking 8 lengths. He took us to the Kentucky Derby, placed in the Belmont, won a Gr1 in the States and earned nearly US$6 million. He gave us a lot of pleasure.
I would also have to mention Ilha Da Vitoria. I bought her at the Brazilian yearling sales for Mary Slack. She was a multiple Champion and Horse-Of-The-Year.
Mary is a great friend and loyal supporter so it was really special to see the enjoyment she got of a great filly. Her daughters are still producing stakes winners for Mary.