Solid Trade Continues into First Session of Karaka Book 2

The opening day of Book 2 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 95th National Yearling Sales Series, saw a positive outcome for vendors off the back of a competitive Book 1 Sale. 

The momentum from the last three days of selling has continued through into the first session of Book 2, with the average and median up on last year’s results, rising to $43,240 and $30,000 respectively.

NZB’s Bloodstock Sales Manager Danny Rolston was encouraged by the strong day of trading.

“Given the reduction of buyers physically on the ground, the atmosphere has still been incredible and both buyers and vendors have been very positive.”

“I think the local trainers were very strong and international buyers were also active online, with participation from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Japan.

“We also saw some great New Zealand-based stallions selling well and we are looking forward to that motion continuing into tomorrow,” Rolston said.

The highest priced lot of the day exceeded the price of the Book 2 sale topper from Karaka 2020, which was purchased by Group One-winning trainer Roger James in partnership with Robert Wellwood under their Kingsclere banner.

James secured Lot 725, a Churchill filly out of Astrid (NZ) (Pins) for $200,000 from Alan Jones and Edwina Morris’ Berkley Stud draft.

The Christchurch-based consignors were ecstatic with the result.

“Heading into the Sale we didn’t really know what to expect.”

“I was absolutely speechless, once she got to $150,000 I couldn’t contain myself, I had tears rolling down my face!” Morris exclaimed.

“It’s been quite a long time to get her here. We bought the mare in foal to Churchill and this is her first foal so we are really delighted.”

Leading vendor by aggregate and average on Day One of Book 2 was Highline Thoroughbreds, selling four lots at an average of $122,500.

Highline’s Cam Heron commented on his top two offerings of the day, Lot 713 a Proisir colt out of All Can Party (All American) purchased by Kaipira Lodge for $180,000 and Lot 664, a Per Incanto colt out of Special Draw (NZ) (Falkirk) purchased by Mr G Cremendes for $155,000. 

“It’s been a good day today, we knew we had a nice draft going into it with some nice types, both colts and fillies, so to see this success has been a great result.”

“Per Incanto is on fire, especially in Hong Kong and Proisir is definitely on the up at the moment and is a New Zealand sire to look out for,” said Heron.

Paul Moroney and Ballymore Stables were active again after securing nine lots during Book 1, purchasing another highlight of the day (Lot 710), a colt by first season sire Time Test out of Affrettando (NZ) (Iffraaj) for $130,000 from Wainui’s draft.

The final day of selling at Book 2 of NZB’s National Yearling Sales Series will commence on Thursday 28 January at 1PM (NZT), with Lot 751 to 918 going under the hammer.

To enquire about Passed Lots contact Regan Donnison on +64 21 512 466 or email regan.donnison@nzb.co.nz or Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz.

Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Day One of Book 2 here.

All horses purchased at Karaka are eligible for the lucrative Karaka Million Series with two $1 million races available for graduates as two and three-year-olds, plus the CollinsonForex Karaka Cup for the duration of their career. To nominate your yearling, email mitch.davis@nzb.co.nz or call +64 298 0055. Entries close Monday 1 March 2021 at 5PM (NZT).

2021 Book 2 Yearling Sale Statistics – Day One