Race Horse Breeder Wilfred Koster Dies

August 8 - The South African horse racing industry, and the world at large, was shocked to learn of the death of Wilfrid Koster, one of the greatest breeders of our times. Koster died from cancer on August 3rd, and is survived by his wife, Shirley, three daughters and son Vaughn, who was trained by his father to become a reputable breeder in his own right.

Born in South Africa in 1941, Wilfrid Koster began his horse breeding career as an apprentice at Cheveley Park Stud in the United Kingdom after graduating from Bishops in the Western Province.

Thereafter, he joined his father, Ralph Koster - himself a successful horse breeder - at the family farm to gain more experience.

After his marriage, Wilfrid Koster and his wife established one of the world's most sought-after horse breeding operations in Ceres, Cheveley Stud.

Over four decades, Koster built up an impeccable reputation as a first-class breeder, an honest businessman, a man of integrity and a loyal family man. He served for many years on the Council of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and devoted heart and soul into the breeding of some of the best horses in the industry.

South Africa's first great international champion, Bush Telegraph, was bred by Koster, as well as National Emblem, Badger's Best and Divine Act. Others include Angelina, Vesta and Legally Blonde.

The editor of one of South Africa's most popular horse racing magazines summer summed up Koster by saying that "he was the last of that era of big boys in breeding that relied solely on breeding horses as a business, and he did it well."

Tell A Friend