Racing
Karaka Book 1 sets new benchmark at Centennial Sale
The first session at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale set a new benchmark, with the Book 1 Sale reaching total sales of over $79 million after two days of selling, a $3.6 million increase despite a more compact offering.
The Book 1 average reached a record $187,257 (14% increase), the median a record $140,000 (27% increase) and the clearance rate a solid 81%.
NZB's Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was proud of the results achieved during the first session of the milestone Sale.
"The new format has seen Book 1 come back from three days to two, and despite having 94 less horses catalogued, the aggregate is up more than $3 million on last year."
"We've hit a record Book 1 average and median, and a clearance rate which we haven't seen in some time.
"I'm very proud of the whole NZB team, the positivity on the grounds has been fantastic. The whole industry has really lifted this week and I'm looking forward to that momentum continuing into a strong Book 2 Sale tomorrow."
Fittingly, it was longstanding vendor Cambridge Stud who claimed the Leading Vendor title and offered the Sale-topping yearling. Lot 513, a colt by their emerging sire Sword of State, a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Ceolwulf (NZ), was purchased for $1.1 million by Mr Sanxiong Gao and Ciaron Maher Racing.
"It tells the industry that you can turn a $15,000 service fee into a milliondollar profit, that's really encouraging. We're a great country, and we breed the best horses," commented a jubilant Sir Brendan Lindsay.
"It's a moment the team are going to remember for the rest of their lives."
At the end selling, Cambridge Stud sold 50 lots for $10,640,000.
"A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes, and they are emotional. Jo and I believe in our country, everything we do is about New Zealand," added Lindsay.
"It's the 100th anniversary of an iconic New Zealand event, and we're a part of it." Ciaron Maher's bloodstock representative Will Bourne was pleased to secure the Sale-topping colt.
"David Ellis is a hard guy to beat, especially here on his home deck."
"But this is a lovely horse. We got some great support from a new client, Mr Gao, we're thrilled to have him on board.
"Ciaron Maher sent me the videos of this horse when we were working through a shortlist five days ago. He was one of Ciaron's picks. I've just got off the phone with Ciaron now, he's delighted." Te Akau Racing's David Ellis claimed the leading buyer title for the 18th time at the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
"It's been a very successful Sale for the New Zealand industry. It's something they needed," commented Ellis.
"All credit to New Zealand Bloodstock and their team for putting on a great show. "We've purchased 18 in total so far. I can't wait to get them home into their paddocks to start selling shares in them."
Darley's freshman sire Anamoe took the leading stallion honours, selling six yearlings for an average of $487,500, while emerging Kiwi sire Sword of State averaged $260,250 for 20 lots sold.
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