NZB’s National Weanling Sale has been a popular stage for boutique vendors Brighthill Farm, who produced the top-priced lot at last year’s Sale when a filly by Satono Aladdin was knocked down to Gary Harding for $180,000.
With eleven quality weanlings on offer at 2025 edition of the Sale, Brighthill Farm’s Nick King is eager to get back to Karaka.
“This Sale has always been good to us. It’s one that suits our model, and a great option for breeders.”
“It’s particularly pleasing to see the number of farms and operations supporting the Sale again this year,” King praised.
“From an industry’s point of view, it’s important that they do so. It’s certainly encouraging going forward.”
With progeny of New Zealand sires such as Shocking, U S Navy Flag, Eminent, Sweynesse, King of Comedy, Staphanos and Noverre, plus Australian stallions Microphone, Strasbourg and Acrobat on offer, King is confident that there is an option for all markets.
“We’re happy with the draft we have to offer this year. Without singling any out, they are an even bunch of weanlings by a good selection of proven Kiwi sires and some Australian sires.”
“The depth of pedigrees and strength of the female families is impressive. Our draft has a lot of options for pinhookers, traders and end-users alike.
“The Karaka Millions eligibility has started getting the traction it deserves, and some of the sires on offer in this draft could see that return of investment soon after.”
“After the on-farm parades, I’ve been buoyed by the phone calls and texts by all the right people you want to see interested,” added King.
All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand.
All weanlings entered in the Sale have been inspected by NZB Agents, who can take any queries ahead of selling.
The National Weanling Sale will be held on the same date as the National Standardbred Weanling Sale at Karaka on Thursday 26 June. The joint sale date will see the thoroughbred session get underway from 10am (NZT), with the standardbred weanlings following from 2.30pm.
Buyers wishing to attend are able to book their stays at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel onsite here or by emailing travel@nzb.co.nz for assistance.
View the 144-lot catalogue here. The catalogue can also be viewed on the Equineline app for iPads/tablets, or the Thoroughworks mobile app.
For more information, contact Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz, Sales Representative Patrick Cunningham on +64 21 512 466 or Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz or Andrew Buick at +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz.
