2010 was an extraordinary year for Normandy Stud, in that we had three individual Grade One winners. The first of these was Bravura, who became our second Cape Derby winner, maintaining what was then an unbeaten record. Starting from the extreme outside stall, he was hustled into the lead by Anton Marcus to overcome the draw, and then settled in a handy position. Bravura hit the front soon after turning for home and triumphed after fighting off the challenge of Noordhoek Flyer, who actually headed him at one point.


Mother Russia wins the Empress Club Stakes


Mother Russia wins the TBA Paddock Stakes


Bravura outguns Noordhoek Flyer in the Investec Cape Derby

Bravura’s grandam, French Muse, is a half-sister to Russian Muse, who is the dam of Mother Russia. She added to her Majorca Stakes win the previous season with victories in the Grade One TBA Paddock Stakes and Empress Club Stakes. She also finished a half-length second to River Jetez in the J&B Met while conceding three half kilograms.

Our third Grade One winner of the season was Captain’s Gal, who won the SA Fillies Sprint (as well as the Grade Two Camellia Stakes).

In addition to these, Rushing Wind had several Grades Stakes places, including a second-place finish in the Golden Horse Casino Sprint (Gr I).


Captain’s Gal was the third of Normandy’s 2010 Grade One winners (more than any other stud!), with a win in the SA Fillies’ Sprint