Big Brown colt The Big Easy blew his rivals away with a six-length victory on debut in South Africa on Thursday.

The Big Easy (Aus) won the Vaal Juvenile Plate (1450m) eased down after setting up a huge lead in the straight.  The course commentator said jockey Gavin Lerena sat smoking a pipe in the final furlong!

Big Brown sired 9 individual winners from his first Vinery crop of two year-olds inn 2013-14.  The Mike De Kock trained Masnoon is another of his Australian-bred youngsters to have won in South Africa.

“The South Africans have been out in force at our yearling sales in recent years,” Vinery’s Conor Phelan said.  “Those Big Brown winners have opened up a lucrative market for breeders who intend to sell a Big Brown in future.”

The Big Easy (2c Big Brown – Livid by Luskin Star) was sold for $52,500 as a foal at the 2012 Magic Millions National Sale.  His dam won in Brisbane and Melbourne and was also staked-placed in the LR Christmas Stakes at Caulfield.

The Big Easy’s smashing introduction coincides with another big week for Big Brown.  His USA bred star Darwin was Group 1 placed in a high-class renewal of the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday.

Darwin could resurface in a Group 2 at Goodwood on August 23.  Trainer Aidan O’Brien noted that he is seeking fast track targets for the Big Brown colt.  “He loves fast ground,” O’Brien said.  “The Sussex was the first time he’s ever got that ground.  I couldn’t be happier with him.  We always thought he was a smart horse.  He could go back for something like the Celebration Mile.”

Big Brown is closing in on 100 winners world-wide and he will stand for a $16,500 (inc gst) fee at Vinery in 2014.