In 1966 John was asked by Countess Batthyany to manage her German stud farm, the Gestut Erlenhof.  At that time the stud stood the mighty sire Orsini, a former German Horse of the Year. Orsini was champion sire on four occasions. His progeny included four German Derby winners, and Orsini was also responsible for two German Oaks winners. During JK’s stint at Erlenhof, the farm bred the German 1000 Guineas winner Dulcia, as well as the German Derby victor Marduk. Both sired by Orsini.

However, the farm’s most famous graduate, arguably, was Caro. Winner of the French 2000 Guineas and second to the great Mill Reef in the Eclipse Stakes, Caro became a great stallion. His champions included Breeders Cup Mile and champion sire Cozzene, as well as Winning Colors – one of only three fillies ever to win the Kentucky Derby.

During his years based in Europe, John also managed farms in Ireland and France, Ballykeen Stud and Haras Bois Roussel. He bred and reared a number of top-class horses, which included the Epsom Oaks winner Pia and Samos – winner of the French St Leger.

In 1972, Kramer decided to return to South Africa. In his first few years back John would spend six months of each year in Germany, and then fly back to SA, where he assisted breeders like Colin Cohen. In 1975, Daytona Farm came up for sale, and John advised Artur Pfaff to purchase the farm. John assisted Pfaff in breeding the great filly Three Troikas, winner of the 1979 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe



The pair was also responsible for breeding Elliodor. Interestingly, the two horses were very different individuals. Kramer says he planned the matings on the physical compatibility of the parents. While Three Troikas gave John one of the highlights of his career, Elliodor didn’t show the same level of form on track, winning just once in a brief career. However, it was Elliodor who shone at stud. He produced no fewer than six Top Division horses in his first crop – despite that crop numbering just nine foals. Included in that crop was South Africa’s first equine millionaire, Model Man. Model Man was a great horse, who won six G1 races, and went onto become a successful sire and broodmare sire. Elliodor also sired Crimson Palace – the first SA bred to win a Group1 race in the USA (after the pattern race system was established) and 11 other Group 1 winners. A great broodmare sire, Elliodor sired four winners of the Group 1 Paddock Stakes.

John was later involved with the purchase of the great filly, Taima Bluff winner of both the Natal and Cape Derbies, as well as the Paddock Stakes and Natal Oaks. In 1988, John Kramer joined the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) in order to become a liaison officer between the sales company and the country’s breeders. It was at this time that John began inspecting and selecting the yearlings for the TBA.

There can be few people in the world of thoroughbred bloodstock with greater experience and knowledge than John. A man universally admired for his honesty and integrity he continues to make an enormous contribution to the breeding and racing industry in South Africa.  His experience and vision make him a man whose thoughts and opinions are priceless. John will be advising us on all our purchases and he is a vital part of our team.
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