Ready to Run Trainers Series Continues for Seventh Successful Season

With the countdown to NZB’s 2026 Ready to Run Sale underway, the seventh edition of the Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series has also kicked off across the country.

Thanks to the long-term support of Majestic Horse Transport and Dunstan Horsefeeds, the well-received series was introduced by NZB in 2020 to help support New Zealand trainers wishing to attend and purchase from the Ready to Run Sale in November.

The first leg of the Series kicked off in Riccarton, with the Nayton Mitchell-trained Recital (NZ) (What’s the Story) taking the spoils for the Canterbury trainer, while Chicago Jack (All too Hard) took out the second leg at Hastings for Auckland-based trainer Steven Cole.

Responsible for the initial development of the Series, NZB Jim Bruford is pleased to see the uptake from trainers once again.

“Our domestic buying bench has really stepped up over the last few years at the Ready to Run Sale,” he commented.

“While we are always excited to welcome international buyers to Karaka, we would also like to continue our strong support towards the Kiwi-based trainers who wish to attend the Sale.

“Trainers like Graham Richardson & Rogan Norvall, Pam Gerard, Lisa Latta, Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, Robbie Patterson and more have all won races in this Series and attended the Sale.

The 2026 edition of the NZB Ready to Run Trainers Series will comprise seven races – three in the Northern region, two in the Central, and two in the Southern region, in the lead up to the world’s leading two-year-old sale.

Backed for the seventh year in a row by long-term sponsors Majestic Horse Transport, Dunstan Horsefeeds and NZB Insurance, NZB will award the winning trainer of each sponsored race the following prize package:

• A $500 travel voucher towards travel to the 2026 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka.
• A $1000 insurance voucher towards insurance for one purchase at the 2026 Ready to Run Sale, courtesy of NZB Insurance.
• A Majestic Horse Transport voucher (valued at $250 for North Island trainers, $400 for Central, and $750 for Southern race winners) towards the transport of one 2026 Ready to Run Sale purchase, courtesy of Majestic Horse Transport.
• A $500 feed voucher from Dunstan Horsefeeds.

The next leg of the series continues at Hawera on 3 October, while the 2026 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on 18 & 19 November with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on 13 & 14 October.