Adam Marcus Secures Four Promising Yearlings at National Sales

Adam Marcus Secures Vercingetorix filly for R4.75m, calls her his pick of the sale

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Adam Marcus, a renowned South African trainer and 10bet South Africa's horse racing ambassador, has made a bold move by securing four promising yearlings at the 2026 National Yearling Sales in Johannesburg. The four-horse shortlist included a R4.75 million filly from Varsfontein Stud, which he described as his pick of the sale.

Adam put his experience to good use for this auction, narrowing the shortlist to just four horses. They included what he called the “pick of the sale”: the Vercingetorix filly from Varsfontein Stud, which he ended up purchasing for R4.75 million on behalf of Mr and Mrs Harris. He singled her out from the catalogue due to her impeccable bloodlines record and pedigree appeal.

Smart purchases don’t always start at the top of the market Horse racing enthusiasts could also see it through his second-most-valuable pick, as he went for Lot 133, Vercingetorix, out of a Captain Al mare and bought it for the Harris stable at the price of R2 million.

The second pick that doesn’t fall short Adam Marcus is an expert trainer with a keen eye. We’ve seen it before in his work, and he’s even shared some of his views with the fans throughout the 10bet South Africa ambassador campaign commentary.

Adam's rather surprising third pick of the auction The price of R800 000 seemed fair for Lot 208, Give Me The Green Light filly from Lammerskraal Stud, as the purchase remained below the team’s budget. That’s what separates the views of an untrained eye and a professional: being able to find a value thoroughbred pick without overspending.

Honouring his father’s legacy Adam Marcus never misses the opportunity to honour his father, Basil’s former picks, including J J The Jet Plane, which he had bought as a yearling and made horse racing history with. The horse went on to win globally-renowned races, from South Africa to Dubai and Singapore.

Context:

South Africa has a rich history of horse racing, dating back to the 19th century. The country has produced numerous world-class trainers and jockeys who have won international races. The National Yearling Sales is a significant event in the South African horse racing calendar, attracting top trainers and breeders from around the world.

With Adam’s hunch and auction history, it won’t be impossible for this year’s draft to pay homage to his father’s legacy, and perhaps with even brighter results than The Jet Plane achieved. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain

• Adam Marcus has once again proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of horse racing.