I took a keen interest in horse racing, growing up with a family besotted with betting on the game and I was introduced at an early age to true Horsepower known as the thoroughbred. As time progressed I enjoyed being around those who would share the same feelings for the love of the racehorse as much as I did. My late brother in-law Craig Magua who was a jockey had a huge influence on me when it came to the thoroughbred; not only did he teach me to ride but showed me what to look for in a racehorse. For that knowledge that he imparted I am forever grateful.

 

I soon realized that instead of spending the few Rand I had on betting on thoroughbreds, I should save to purchase my own. I bought my first race horse in 2002, a filly named Millennium Chimes. She was a well put-together 2 year old filly at the Ready To Run Sale hosted by the T.B.A. in Germiston; a concept put together by Summerhill Stud’s Mick Goss and team. She was Lot 7 in the T.B.A. catalogue and her sire was Shamikh who stood at Summerhill Stud.  The 'Sham' part grabbed my attention and I bid up to R12 000 for her. As the hammer fell it was an awesome feeling knowing she was now mine. It did not take too much effort to convince my uncle Anthony Sham to partner me in her racing career as we knew she had the bearing of a racehorse.

 

Millennium Chimes had 25 starts. She won her first attempt over the mile trip (1600m) at the memorable Newmarket Night Racing track, beating her opposition by 2 lengths. We had a second and another 5 places with her. She was never disgraced and she met some of the highveld's finest fillies and mares; the likes of Irridescence, who went on to win the Queen Elizabeth in Hong Kong, Princess Lisa, Sheba, Frisky Flag, Joshua Rainbow, Inkling, Perakeen, Bed of Roses and Splitsville who are all multiple stake-winners.

 

I retired Millennium Chimes as a 5 year old mare with the hopes of her becoming a broodmare. I sent her to Summerhill Stud; South Africa’s top stud and breeding farm for the past few years. In September 2005 she was covered by a new stallion to the Summerhill string named Deep Sleep, who was recommended by a breeding analyst from England visiting the stud farm at the time. Soon after being covered I received news she was in foal.

 

On the 27^th October 2006 she gave birth to a handsome colt. He is medium sized with strong shoulders and a nice hind quarter. He covers lots of ground and most importantly, "he is correct", in the words of Mick Goss and team at Summerhill Stud. His name is Robor et Dignitas, which is Latin for "Strength and Dignity," a proud school motto from Highlands North Boys. It was suggested then that Millennium Chimes would be covered by the new season sire of Summerhill, Cataloochee.

 

Millennium Chimes then spent another 9 months at Summerhill in foal to Cataloochee, while her son Robor et Dignitas was growing well and enjoying a superb upbringing on S.A.'s top breeding establishment.

Robor et Dignitas remained at Summerhill, and it was suggested to me by Mick Goss that he be a candidate for the Emperor's Palace Ready To Run Sale on Sunday 2 November 2008. Robor et Dignitas has a special presence about him. He is an eye-catching colt.

Millennium Chimes was then sent to Boland Stud in Ceres where she gave birth to another colt Archee, the son of Cataloochee. Mr Eugene Freeman was responsible for bringing Archee into this world on the 29 of September 2007 and I must commend him on the sterling job he has done with all his foals and the passion, pride and love he shows for them all.

 

Archee has the look of his very talented father; his conformation suggests that he will follow in his father’s footsteps, built to sprint. It was then recommended by Mr John Freeman of Freeman Stallions that her new suitor be Badger's Drift.

 

Millennium Chimes was in foal to Badger's Drift who stands at Cheveley Stud, just a few kilometers away from Boland Stud. Mr John Freeman recommended the covering through the interesting links to Blushing Groom. Her progress was  good: mom did very well along with the life inside her, giving birth to a colt Ultimate Hero on the 15th September 2008.

After the birth of Ultimate Hero our eyes were still glistening at his sheer size and presence. What a magnificent looking foal the son of Badgers Drift was. And he is now an even more striking yearling.

In Eugene Freeman's words, "He is a spectacular foal. Ultimate Hero is now a yearling and is one of the best looking horses on the farm."

Soon we got another surprise when Millennium Chimes gave birth to our first filly. Wow! What a moment when Eugene Freeman called to say, "It’s a filly and an eye catching one indeed".

Memory Laine is her reserved name and we have been told by Eugene that she too is a very fine looking specimen. She is big, sound, strong, correct and this athletic daughter of Tamburlaine is sure to burn up the turf someday after all the care and attention all the horses receive at Boland Stud in Ceres, Cape Town under the watchful eye of Eugene Freeman.

Millennium Chimes is set to be covered by what can only be described as a dream come true for me as a small time breeder/owner and thoroughbred fanatic by the one and only magnificent Horse Chestnut. Just knowing that makes me feel warm all over.

Updates and progress reports will soon follow.