Oratorio (IRE), who stands alongside sensational sire Var (USA) at Avontuur Thoroughbreds, has wasted no time in making his mark on South African horseracing. His first runner in this country Sacred Oration made his debut a winning one under jockey Luyolo Mxothwa for trainer Grant Paddock in a maiden juvenile plate over 800m at Fairview this afternoon, the colt showed good pace throughout and won very easily. Sacred Oration is out of Scarlet Causeway (AUS) by Giant's Causeway (USA) and he was bred by Patricia Devine Investments who owned one of the most legendary stallions in the history of racehorse breeding in South Africa the one and only Jet Master. It will be interesting to see whether or not the colt kicks on from you here, but all things including talent aside this is a very exciting moment for the South African racing and breeding industry, as Oratorio has had success as a stallion all around the world.

Oratorio is a son of Danehill who in turn is a son of Danzig who was sired by Northern Dancer, this is one of the strongest male lines in horse racing today; all of his sire, grand sire and great grand sire will forever have a place in the halls of racehorse breeding history. The female side of his family is not as impressive, but his dam Marah by Vaguely Noble is from the direct family of 1980 Preakness winner Codex, who sired Badger Land who was a very influential sire and broodmare sire in South Africa. Oratorio won 6 of his 15 starts from 2 - 3 years of age, from 1200m - 2000m. He was one of the best racehorses of his generation, being a dual champion with a Time Form Rating of 119 at 2 and 128 at 3.