Entries are now open for NZB’s Karaka 2026, with the iconic week on the international sales calendar due to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from Sunday 25 January, marking the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
As recently announced, a new sales format will be launched at Karaka 2026, ensuring that the quality of the 100th National Yearling Sales catalogue is in line with the momentous occasion.
Book 1 will be conducted across two full days, composed of approximately 580 horses. Book 2 will immediately follow with a further 290 yearlings the next day. A third session has also been re-introduced with the Karaka Summer Sale taking place on the Thursday, cataloguing up to 200 yearlings.
NZB’s renowned Karaka Sale has produced a prolific number of modern day and all-time champion racehorses, highlighted by another incredible season on the track where 20% of Group One races in Australia were claimed by New Zealand-breds.
These results, paired with the high-octane TAB Karaka Millions Raceday, world-famous Kiwi hospitality and the popular DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel, will again combine for an unforgettable Karaka experience.
NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook is looking forward to the upcoming sales season, during what is a very buoyant time for the industry.
“The new format being launched and the fact this Sale marks a huge milestone for the industry makes for a very exciting year.”
“As usual our horses continue to excel in all of the major racing jurisdictions. Buyers know that New Zealand consistently produces elite performers from a small but outstanding foal crop, and Karaka is the place to source them.
“While Book 1 and 2 are our cream of the crop, the new Karaka Summer Sale will be a beneficial session for vendors and buyers to target with a reduced entry fee, no offering fee and boosted by a $200,000 Karaka Millions bonus for the vendor and purchaser.”
“It is great to have many of our bigger studs already indicate to us their full support, so I have no doubt Karaka 2026 will be a resounding success.
“The inspection and selection process is always an enjoyable time of year and our team looks forward to getting around all of the farms and seeing the next generation before they head to Karaka,” added Seabrook.
To nominate your yearlings for Karaka 2026, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz or contact the Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey (+64 9 298 0055, or email maryjane.harvey@nzb.co.nz). Entries close 5pm Friday 11 July 2025.
For any general sale enquiries, contact the NZB Bloodstock team here.
Important Dates
TAB Karaka Millions Raceday: Saturday 24 January at Ellerslie
Book 1 Sale: Sunday 25 & Monday 26 January at Karaka
Book 2 Sale: Tuesday 27 January at Karaka
Karaka Summer Sale: Thursday 29 January at Karaka
National Online Yearling Sale: April (date tbc) on Gavelhouse Plus
