The Wilgerbosdrift bred (in partnership with Mauritzfontein) and owned Orchid Island was honoured with the title of Champion 3YO Filly at the Highveld Awards, sponsored by the Racing Association, held at Emperors Palace last night.
The Mike de Kock trained filly, a runner in Saturday’s G1 Woolavington 2000, enjoyed a tremendous season with her wins including a game triumph over R2.1 million plus earner Safe Harbour in the G1 Wilgerbosdrift SA Fillies Classic. Orchid Island also won the Listed Sea Cottage Stakes, defeating males, and ran third in the G2 Wilgerbosdrift Gauteng Fillies Guineas.
A daughter of champion sire Silvano (also responsible for the stud’s G1 winner Nightingale), Orchid Island is out of Listed Oaks Trial winner Ilha Grande –a daughter of former Horse Of The Year Ilha Da Vitoria.