Written by Paul Vettise
Bruce Perry got his timing right when it came to viewing New Zealand entries for the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and he’s prepared to assist any potential purchasers in the lead-up to the online auction.
Given the unique nature trading will be conducted under at the Riverside Stables, the respected Wairarapa-based bloodstock agent will offer his insights into the Kiwi drafts free of charge to anyone keen on availing themselves of his inside knowledge.
Prior to New Zealand going into lockdown, and preventing the New Zealand-based yearlings from crossing the Tasman, Perry had made his tour of duty of the Waikato-based youngsters and those close to his home base.
“A week before we went into lockdown I was up that way and as soon as Inglis knew there might be issues with the sale I made a point of going to all those farms,” Perry said.
“I went up to James Chapman’s farm (Jamieson Park), Trelawney Stud, Lyndhurst Farm, Henley Park and then went and saw Sam Williams’ draft at Little Avondale. There are a number of outstanding yearlings among them.
“There are a number of outstanding yearlings among them.” – Bruce Perry
“I’ve had a few calls and it will probably be something that may happen more closer to the sale and I’m happy to pass on my thoughts at no cost.”
While the sale will be operated under unusual conditions, the quality on offer remained a constant.
Gallery: Some of New Zealand's offerings
“It’s a leap of faith I think as much as anything else. In saying that, a lot of the agents in Australia and trainers have got around the drafts over there,” Perry said.
“They’ve seen the majority of them I believe and there's no reason at all why they can’t buy online. I’d say there will be some good buys, and I'm already hearing from one or two people that have historically backed off, that they're seeing it as an opportunity to buy into some nice families.
“It will be a buyers’ market and these are still top quality Easter yearlings, that hasn’t changed.
Gallery: Some of New Zealand's offerings
“There will be quite a demand for a lot of the fillies, at a level. A lot of the syndicators and trainers you would think would be reasonably reserved and subdued because there’s the worry about the impact on a lot of people’s businesses and incomes.
“It will be a buyers’ market and these are still top quality Easter yearlings, that hasn’t changed.” – Bruce Perry
“There are obviously a lot of service fees yet to be paid as well and a lot are reliant on selling their yearlings to do that.”
Perry didn’t believe the uncertainty of when Australian purchasers of New Zealand-based yearlings could get them across the Tasman would have a negative impact.
“They could stay here two or three months or six months and get broken in and get a wonderful head start under our conditions,” he said. “I don’t think that’s an issue and some good will definitely come out of it.”
Jamieson Park will offer five yearlings at the sale, Little Avondale Stud and Lyndhurst Farm four each with Henley Park and Trelawney Stud two apiece and Woburn Farm has one.
