Cover image courtesy of Kilgravin Lodge
Kilgravin Lodge principal Eion Kemp was a satisfied vendor after two days of breeze-ups at Te Rapa ahead of next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale.
Kemp has a proven track record at the auction with Sangster (NZ) (Savabeel), a Group 1 winner of the VRC Derby, Auckland Cup and Waikato International S., among his selling success stories and he was delighted with the back-to-back sessions that concluded at Te Rapa on Tuesday.
“I’m really pleased how they all breezed-up, they all behaved and performed well on what is a big two days,” said Kemp, who will offer 27 lots.
“It makes it hard to highlight any particular lots, given the consistency across our draft, all which is a testament to the team at home and our clients ongoing support.
“We are looking forward to giving these horses a short break in the paddock before we put the final touches on them ahead of selling at Karaka.”
Day Two of the breeze-ups saw the final 126 2-year-olds sprint down the straight at Te Rapa.
A total of 255 horses breezed up across the two days, with the juveniles now heading to Karaka for NZB’s Ready to Run Sale on November 18 and 19.
After a downpour of rain overnight and in the early hours of the morning, the track conditions for the second day of the breeze-ups settled at a Slow 7 with the rail moved in four metres.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was pleased with the outcome across the two sessions.
“As the Sale has grown over the last 20 years, we’ve seen a significant improvement in the level of presentation and breeze-ups, but this year was just exceptional.
“So we must commend the vendors, preparers and jockeys for presenting and breezing their 2-year-olds in fantastic order.”
The full breeze-up clips and parade ring footage will be made available for viewing at the below link by Friday, October 16, as well as streamed on Trackside in New Zealand, Sky Racing and Racing.com in Australia.
