OFF THE RECORD #125

Blue Sky Leading KZN’s Breeding Revival

Blue Sky Thoroughbreds has wasted little time making its presence felt. In just four seasons, the unassuming partnership of retired mining engineer Tinus Gericke and seasoned horseman Bruce Le Roux has risen to seventh on the National Breeders’ Log, a remarkable achievement among the country’s 360 active breeders.

The figures behind that ascent are equally impressive: 38 winners from just 84 runners, earnings exceeding R7.5-million and three Blue Sky graduates among the final 29 entries for the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July.

High-class graded performers Legal Counsel, Minogue and Copper Eagle have carried the Blue Sky banner with distinction. Their exploits have added a new chapter to the history of the Mooi River property that was formerly home to Craig Ramsay’s Golden Acres and later Koos de Klerk’s Yellow Star Stud.

Rustenburg-born Gericke, who now resides in Umhlanga with his wife, Liz, said the name ‘Blue Sky’ embodies the philosophy upon which the operation was built.

“It’s about looking for opportunities rather than constraints, strategic planning and constant improvement,” he explained. “Those are the principles on which Blue Sky was founded.”

Gericke, who manages the finances and administration of Blue Sky with the assistance of Ange Schoeman, is pleased to be within easy driving distance of the farm. His career in the mining industry instilled a strong sense of purpose, urgency and attention to detail, qualities that have served him well in the thoroughbred breeding business.

“The Blue Sky project really came about unexpectedly, but once we decided to take it on as a team, we committed ourselves to giving it our best shot,” he said. “I’ve always believed that whatever you choose to do, you should do to the best of your ability.”

Gericke credits his wife, Liz, as the driving force behind what visitors to Blue Sky have described as “a wonderful facelift”.

“Liz is a successful property developer in her own right and she knew what we had to do,” he said. “She still travels to Rustenburg every few weeks to run her business interests in the North West. She’s not one for sitting still.”

Gericke said the first priority was to give the property a comprehensive clean-up and refurbishment, rather than simply applying a coat of paint. Particular attention was paid to the farm’s 100 stables, while the reception and convention facilities were upgraded to ensure visitors feel comfortable and welcome.

Blue Sky’s grass and sand tracks have helped prepare many winners over the years, while its horse walker remains a valuable asset. Together, they form the cornerstone of the farm’s breaking-in and pre-training operation, catering for the in-house preparation of yearlings as well as outside clients.

At the heart of it all is Bruce le Roux, a man described as ‘a horseman of the highest order’. Raised on a cattle farm in the Giant’s Castle area, he spent his youth riding ‘rough and tough cross-bred horses’ in the hills. Together with the hardy Basotho ponies he grew up around, they provided an invaluable grounding for his future career with horses.

For all that is going on, Le Roux is especially excited about what he believes is an exciting revival of the breeding community in KwaZulu-Natal. With renewed investment, growing breeder confidence and quality stallions, the region is poised to regain much of its former strength.

With resident stallions Chimichuri Run (Trippi), Double Superlative (Twice Over) and their most recent acquisition, Proceed (Gimmethegreenlight), Blue Sky are geared to be near the forefront of this revival.

Chimichuri Run has already produced five individual two-year-old winners from his first crop, and Double Superlative covered 74 mares in his first season last year.

Le Roux said about Proceed: “We are very pleased to have a stallion from the potent Gimmethegreenlight/Captain Al cross and grateful to Laurence Wernars and Vermaak Equine for giving us the opportunity.”

The other arm of the Blue Sky operation is a training yard at Summerveld, headed by seasoned horseman Frikkie Greyling. Having learned his trade under Mike de Kock during the Horse Chestnut years, Greyling went on to broaden his experience with a number of prominent trainers, among them Dean Maroun and Mike Azzie.

Greyling saddled nine winners from just a handful of runners in his first season so far. He has 16 horses in training, some of them older rejects from other yards, and a few unraced youngsters. Listed Flamboyant Stakes runner-up Amelia’s Legacy (Vercingetorix), is one with feature potential.

While Greyling has primarily trained runners owned by Gericke and Blue Sky, he is keen to expand the operation.

“I have 25 stables in my yard and would love to have them all filled, so we welcome outside owners,” he said. “World Sports Betting, as well as Sandy and Eugene Arundel, have already supported us with a few runners.”

He also points to Blue Sky’s transparent billing structure as a key benefit for owners.

“Tinus has implemented excellent financial controls, which means owners are charged the actual cost of feed, shoeing, vitamins and other necessities, rather than a blanket monthly rate,” he explained. “In the long run, that can make a meaningful difference to an owner’s expenses.”

Gericke said: “Frikkie and I go back several years and, while a training stable was not really part of the original plan, we decided to give him an opportunity. His horsemanship is well documented and he has already shown what he can do, winning four races with the six-year-old Numzaan, who struggled in Cape Town.”

He concluded: “Blue Sky’s position on the breeders’ log has come as a pleasant surprise. We are competing against powerful Cape breeders who operate on a different financial scale. What Bruce and I set out to do was pursue our passion for horses while building a venture that is both viable and sustainable.

“The results have been tremendously encouraging. We’re monitoring our broodmare band and will be upgrading. We are hopeful that more quality horses will come through the ranks and maintain the momentum. Sean Tarry’s Prayersandpromises looks to be heading in the right direction.”

*Blue Sky Thoroughbreds have 17 yearlings on offer at the 2026 Bloodstock SA KZN Yearling Sale on Thursday, 2 July. Catalogue here.