Karaka 2026 marked the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and it was one for the record books. After an action-packed refreshed format, results have been accumulated from the Book 1, Book 2 and inaugural Karaka Summer Sale sessions, that took place from 25 – 29 January.
The new condensed sale format saw several records being surpassed and increases across all key sale indicators. With 79 less horses catalogued, turnover was up almost $10 million on last year, with returns to consignors and breeders totalling over $96 million. Increases were also seen across the combined average of $127,774 (11%), $85,000 median (6%) and clearance rate of 83%, showcasing the strength across the entire Sale and at all levels of the market.
The second day of Book 1 saw the Sale-topping Lot 513, a colt by Sword of State out of Las Brisas, purchased for $1.1 million by Mr Sanxiong Gao and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock from Cambridge Stud, who fittingly claimed their 34th Leading Vendor title at the close of selling.
The momentous occasion saw a record attendance with hotel bookings overflowing with guests keen to return to Karaka. The buying bench from Australia was particularly strong, with an increase of almost $12 million in total spend. While the competition was tough, the support from domestic trainers was felt all the way from Southland to Northland. There was also participation from Hong Kong, China, USA, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, South Africa and further afield.
Kicking off the week, a spectacular night of racing was witnessed on the eve of Karaka 2026. Queensland trainer Liam Birchley was on top of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) mountain again after Dream Roca (NZ) (El Roca) triumphed, a $75,000 buy from Westbury Stud’s Book 2 draft.
While visitors were treated to something special when Well Written (Written Tycoon), who was bought for $80,000 by Stephen Marsh Racing and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock from Brighthill Farm’s draft in the 2024 National Online Yearling Sale, blew her rivals off the track in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook commented on the final results.
“It was one of the best weeks at Karaka in a very long time, with both buyers and vendors very happy.”
“To increase our turnover by 11% despite having a smaller number of horses offered is phenomenal, and an important boost for our industry.
“It was great to see the Australian spend was up significantly, particularly during Book 2 thanks to having those horses on the ground earlier for inspections,” he added.
“There were some great pinhook results especially through the Book 2 and the Summer Sale, which should give people confidence to enter the weanling market in just a few months’ time.
“I’m really proud of how we acknowledged the milestone of the National Yearling Sale for the wider industry, it was very special to be a part of.
“Our thanks go out to the vendors, buyers, underbidders and the thousands in attendance who all combined to make the 100th National Yearling Sale one to remember.”
All yearlings purchased at Karaka 2026 are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series, featuring the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO, $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO and the NZB Mega Maiden Series. To nominate your yearling, contact finance@nzb.co.nz or call +64 9 298 0055. Entries close Monday 3 March 2025.
To enquire about Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham on +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz, or Andrew Buick on +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz
Revisit all the video highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Karaka 2026 here.
View the Passed Lots for each catalogue here:
