Crawford Racing at the 2026 BSA Cape Yearling Sale

The 2026 BSA Cape Yearling Sale delivered exactly what South African buyers have come to expect from this increasingly influential regional auction in depth, diversity, and serious momentum. With 140 yearlings catalogued and a remarkable 93% clearance rate, the sale reaffirmed its status as a value-rich marketplace where sharp judges can still uncover future stars. The median surged to a record R245,000, up a staggering 36% year-on-year, while the aggregate climbed to an all-time high of R30.54 million. It was a vibrant, competitive atmosphere and one that rewarded buyers who arrived with intent and left with quality.

For Crawford Racing, the sale offered the perfect opportunity to secure fresh talent. Their two acquisitions—Lucas Limelight, Twiceasfast, and Desert Island—reflect a balanced, forward-thinking approach with proven stallion power, athletic physicality, and pedigrees with both speed and scope. Each youngster brings something different to the table, and together they form a compelling trio for the seasons ahead.

Twiceasfast (Lot 90)

Filly by Horizon ex Twiceasfast

Twiceasfast is a filly with a racy look but could develop as she matures into a filly that could contest middle distance races as competitively as her sire. By Horizon, a stallion whose progeny are beginning to show promise, she brings a refreshing mix of precocity and athleticism. Her dam, also named Twiceasfast, reinforces that theme, offering a family known for quick action and forward-going types, three time winners over mainly sprint trips.

This filly stands out as the most likely early runner of the trio based on her breeding and has a neat frame. Crawford Racing has a good record with fillies of this mould, often coaxing out their best attributes through smart placement and confidence-building campaigns. Twiceasfast looks tailor-made for that approach as she makes her way from the stud farm to the stable and ultimately the racetrack.

Desert Island (Lot 139)

Colt by Erik the Red ex Desert Pride

Desert Island is a powerful, scopey colt by Group-winning sprinter Erik the Red, the stallion who topped the sale with 25 lots sold and continues to gain traction as a sire of athletic, good-moving youngsters. His dam, Desert Pride, contributes a strong, well-rooted pedigree, giving this colt a balanced genetic foundation that blends toughness with natural ability.

He has the look of a horse who will thrive over ground and coupled with the natural sharpness of his sire, his frame suggests he will strengthen significantly with time. Crawford Racing have done well with late-maturing colts who reward patience, and Desert Island fits that blueprint beautifully. He may take a little longer than most to come to hand, but the long-term upside is substantial.

Crawford Racing’s trio from the 2026 BSA Cape Yearling Sale represents a smart, strategic blend of immediate potential and long-term promise. Lucas Limelight brings blue-chip stallion power and classic appeal; Twiceasfast offers the possibility of early speed who in time will be going over middle distances; Desert Island provides the scope and stamina of a colt who could develop into a serious racehorse with time and patience.

They reflect a stable that does well to balance its current and future equine superstars and investing in horses that can win now, win later, and win at different distances and levels. Current and prospective owners can look forward to the possibility of many moments of watching there fledgling yearlings develop into future potential champions under the guidance of one of the best young trainers in South Africa and his talented team.