Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
At A Glance
At the close of trade on the final day of Book 1, the aggregate finished at NZ$79,585,000, which is a huge increase on last year’s edition which finished with a gross of NZ$70,063,000. In 2021, the sale finished with total receipts of NZ$63,127,500.
The average for the sale has risen to NZ$168,257 compared to the NZ$151,980 recorded at last year’s edition. In 2021 it was NZ$146,808.
The median figure dropped from last year to NZ$120,000. In 2023, it was NZ$130,000, while in 2022, it came in at NZ$100,000.
New Zealand Bloodstock reported they had sold 473 lots at a clearance rate of 78 per cent. This figure is not dissimilar to last year (79 per cent) and 2022 (77 per cent).
The top-seller on Day 3 was Lot 513 - a Wootton Bassett filly from Via Napoli. She was from the Curraghmore draft and realised NZ$800,000, with Damon Gabbedy of Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) buying.
The most expensive colt on the final day of Book 1 was by Savabeel, Lot 562. Offered by Little Avondale Stud, he was knocked down to Bjorn Baker Racing / Clarke Bloodstock (FBAA) for NZ$525,000. The colt is out of Alam Mo Na.
The Book 1 sale-topper was Lot 21 - a Proisir filly out of Donna Marie, which was consigned by Hallmark Stud. Moody Racing went to NZ$1.6 million for her.
Waikato Stud finished the sale as the leading vendor by aggregate for the ninth time in the past 10 years. The Matamata-based farm sold 55 yearlings, netting NZ$8,730,000 in receipts.
Hallmark Stud finished the sale as the leading vendor by average (three or more), having sold 11 yearlings for an average of NZ$294,100.
Savabeel was the leading sire by aggregate. He had 41 yearlings make a collective NZ$10,720,000.
Snitzel reigned supreme in terms of sires by average (three or more). He had three yearlings average NZ$425,000.
Wootton Bassett is the leading first-season sire by average (three or more). His seven yearlings sold at an average price of NZ$328,600. Hello Youmzain claimed the freshman honours in terms of aggregate; he grossed NZ$5,825,000.
For the 19th consecutive year, David Ellis was the leading buyer. The Te Akau boss signed for 25 yearlings, spending NZ$5.7 million at an average of NZ$228,000.
Buyers from the Waikato region of New Zealand spent NZ$16,255,000 on 111 yearlings at an average of NZ$146,400. Shoppers from New South Wales purchased 77 yearlings, spending NZ$14,622,500, while Victorians signed for 95 yearlings, with a total spend of NZ$15,440,000.
#1. The New Zealand industry is alive and well!
When the international betting company Entain signed a 25-year deal to take over the day-to-day operations of the New Zealand TAB in March last year, the New Zealand thoroughbred industry became reinvigorated.
Since then, the mood from those involved in the sport, both racing and breeding, has been buoyant. For the first time in a long time, there is a great sense of hope.
That was highlighted on Saturday at the Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie, where the ‘full house’ sign had to go up.
It has again been evident at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1), with records broken across most metrics.
The New Zealand industry is alive and well | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
This year’s sale grossed NZ$79,585,000, which is a record and in excess of NZ$9.5 million up on the same time 12 months ago.
The average improved, the clearance rate was similar to that of the past two years, while the median was slightly down.
New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was understandably delighted with the overall numbers.
“I would have taken this at the start of the week and run,” Seabrook said.
“I would have taken this at the start of the week and run.” - Andrew Seabrook
“Australian spend is up NZ$7 million on last year, and remember, they were up NZ$9 million on the previous year. Right across the board, the strength of the Australians, from the country trainer to the metropolitans, was strong, which was wonderful to see.
“The New Zealand spend was up NZ$2 million.
“It was just a really great, positive week, with everybody talking about the positive racing scene here.”
Stats are one thing, but it’s the positivity from industry stakeholders, locals and overseas visitors, that should provide significant optimism.
Andrew Seabrook | Image courtesy of New Zealand News
The number of people this author spoke to, be it a trainer, owner or breeder, during his time in Auckland, that has sung the praises of the sport’s backers, was plentiful.
Recently announced initiatives, such as ‘The NZB Kiwi’ slot race, as well as the long-term financial support, has given everyone a richly deserved shot in the arm, one that has been long overdue.
Several Australian-based trainers, especially those from Victoria, have indicated they may now target the Karaka Millions meeting and the new Champions Day in March (starting in 2025) mentioning Auckland isn’t far from Melbourne and the climate is similar.
There is plenty of work still to be done, but there is a clear path ahead, and, significantly, the industry participants, at least the majority of them, appear to be singing from the same hymn sheet.
#2. Proisir powers on
At last year’s sale, Proisir grossed NZ$3,590,000, with 19 yearlings averaging NZ$188,947.
Since then, he has won a New Zealand Sires’ Premiership and added five Group 1s to his CV, improving his overall tally to 11.
Proisir | Standing at Rich Hill Stud
The Rich Hill Stud resident was again popular with buyers at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. Proisir grossed NZ$7,410,000, with 27 yearlings selling at an average price of NZ$274,400. Not bad off a NZ$12,500 plus GST service fee in 2021!
Proisir can lay claim to having this year’s top-seller (Lot 21), the filly by Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), which Moody Racing bought from Hallmark Stud for NZ$1.6 million on Day 1.
#3. Wootton Bassett a hit with with Australasian buyers
Coolmore shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett (GB) enjoyed a strong sale, his first in New Zealand, picking up where he left off at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in Australia.
When the curtain came down on Book 1, the Group 1-winning son of Iffraaj (GB) had seven yearlings gross NZ$2,300,000 at an average of NZ$328,600. That earned him the title of leading first-season sire by average (three or more).
Wootton Bassett’s top-seller was Lot 513, a filly from the winning Fastnet Rock mare Via Napoli. Offered by Curraghmore, she was purchased by Damon Gabbedy of Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) for NZ$800,000.
The Champion 2YO Colt in France in 2010, Wootton Bassett hit the ground running in Australasia, with 32 of his yearlings in Book 1 at Magics grossing $14.9 million at an average of $465,625, which earned him leading first-season sire by both gross and average honours.
Gallery: Lot 513 was purchased by Damon Gabbedy of Belmont Bloodstock Agency (FBAA) / Cheung Shun Ching for NZ$800,000
Gabbedy was effusive in his praise of Wootton Bassett, who is the sire of nine Group 1 scorers and 40 stakes winners.
“Wootton Bassett is a proven stallion, so I think he’s a no-brainer. He’s a champion stallion, and I reckon he’ll do the same down here as he’s done in the Northern Hemisphere, for sure,” said Gabbedy.
“Wootton Bassett is a proven stallion, so I think he’s a no-brainer.” - Damon Gabbedy
#4. Busuttin/Young hope to repeat the dose with Sierra Sue’s sister
Sierra Sue (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was a terrific race mare for her trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, winning two Group 1s - the 2021 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and the 2022 Futurity S.
She triumphed at Group 2 level on two occasions and won nine races in total, amassing earnings in excess of $1.7 million.
Following retirement, the mare was bought by Bromfield Park for $1.55 million via the 2022 Inglis Sierra Sue Online Sale.
Sierra Sue’s sister was consigned by Ardsley Stud as Lot 637 on Tuesday, and when the hammer came down for NZ$NZ170,000, it was Busuttin and Young that had the winning bid.
Young said the filly, while holding plenty of sentimental value, was bought on merit.
“It’s a nice price to pay for a filly that had a great, deep girth,” she said.
“She’s a full sister to a dual Group 1 winner, so you can’t really go wrong.
“Hopefully she’s as good as her sister.”
“Hopefully she’s (Lot 637) as good as her sister.” - Natalie Young
Young added the filly is “very similar to her sister”.
“This yearling is a little bit deeper in her girth,” Young explained.
“Sierra Sue is massive.”
Lot 637 was purchased for a stable client and will soon head to Australia.
Natalie Young
The filly has tremendous residual value. She is from the winning Centaine mare Centree (NZ) and she herself is a half-sister to the stakes performer Miss Puzzle (Citidancer {Ire}) - the dam of the stakes winners Fashion Plate (USA) (Old Fashioned {USA}), Miss Bigly (USA) (Gemologist {USA}) and Mr. Candy Bar (USA) (Candy Ride {Arg}).
Tit For Taat (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}), who won four Group 1s and was New Zealand’s Horse of the Year in 2002/03, also features on the filly’s page.
#5. A super sale for Waikato Stud
For the ninth time in 10 years, Waikato Stud finished atop the vendors’ list by aggregate. The Matamata-based farm grossed NZ$8,730,000, having sold 55 yearlings.
As has become customary over the past few years, Savabeel finished the leading sire by gross, after 41 of his yearlings sold for a combined NZ$10,720,000.
Savabeel | Standing at Waikato Stud
Furthermore, Savabeel’s barnmates, young guns Super Seth and Ardrossan, both finished with strong results. The former netted NZ$4,125,000 in receipts, with 28 yearlings selling at an average of NZ$147,300, while the latter grossed NZ$1,460,800, after eight yearlings sold at an average of NZ$182,500.
Top buyers
| Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) | $5,700,000 | $228,000 | $825,000 | 25 |
| Chris Waller / Mulcaster Bloodstock | $4,300,000 | $330,769 | $900,000 | 13 |
| The Hong Kong Jockey Club | $2,700,000 | $337,500 | $650,000 | 8 |
| Moody Racing | $2,460,000 | $615,000 | $1,600,000 | 4 |
| Jamie Richards / Andrew Williams Bloodstock (FBAA) | $2,370,000 | $395,000 | $725,000 | 6 |
| KPW Bloodstock | $2,120,000 | $176,666 | $360,000 | 12 |
| Wexford Stables | $1,890,000 | $189,000 | $280,000 | 10 |
| Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ) | $1,520,000 | $304,000 | $620,000 | 5 |
| Go Racing Ltd / Blandford Bloodstock | $1,335,000 | $148,333 | $300,000 | 9 |
| Stephen Marsh Racing / Dylan Johnson Bloodstock | $1,305,000 | $217,500 | $425,000 | 6 |
Vendors by aggregate
| Waikato Stud Ltd | $8,730,000 | $147,966 | $620,000 | 55 |
| Cambridge Stud | $5,580,000 | $159,428 | $425,000 | 35 |
| Haunui Farm | $5,045,000 | $210,208 | $825,000 | 24 |
| Pencarrow Stud | $4,300,000 | $226,315 | $700,000 | 19 |
| Curraghmore | $4,150,000 | $180,434 | $800,000 | 23 |
| Rich Hill Stud | $3,985,000 | $209,736 | $900,000 | 19 |
| Elsdon Park | $3,800,000 | $271,428 | $725,000 | 14 |
| Windsor Park Stud | $3,445,000 | $127,595 | $300,000 | 24 |
| Hallmark Stud | $3,235,000 | $294,091 | $1,600,000 | 11 |
| Wentwood Grange | $2,953,000 | $113,576 | $260,000 | 23 |
Vendors by average
| Hallmark Stud | $3,235,000 | $294,090 | $1,600,000 | 11 |
| Elsdon Park | $3,800,000 | $271,428 | $725,000 | 14 |
| Highline Thoroughbreds | $1,010,000 | $252,500 | $510,000 | 4 |
| Jamieson Park | $1,765,000 | $252,142 | $620,000 | 7 |
| Kaha Nui Farm | $1,370,000 | $228,333 | $500,000 | 6 |
| Pencarrow Stud | $4,300,000 | $226,315 | $700,000 | 19 |
| Riversley Park Ltd | $2,885,000 | $221,923 | $500,000 | 10 |
| Kilgravin Lodge | $2,105,000 | $210,500 | $600,000 | 10 |
| Haunui Farm | $5,045,000 | $210,208 | $825,000 | 24 |
| Rich Hill Stud | $3,985,000 | $209,736 | $900,000 | 19 |
Sires by aggregate
| Savabeel | $10,720,000 | $261,463 | $650,000 | 41 |
| Proisir | $7,410,000 | $274,444 | $1,600,000 | 27 |
| Hello Youmzain | $5,825,000 | $171,323 | $425,000 | 34 |
| Per Incanto | $4,955,000 | $170,867 | $500,000 | 29 |
| Almanzor | $4,475,000 | $131,617 | $400,000 | 34 |
| Super Seth | $4,125,000 | $147,321 | $700,000 | 28 |
| Ocean Park | $3,940,000 | $127,096 | $300,000 | 31 |
| Satono Aladdin | $3,285,000 | $234,642 | $900,000 | 14 |
| Wootton Bassett | $2,300,000 | $328,571 | $800,000 | 7 |
| Circus Maximus | $1,858,000 | $92,900 | $200,000 | 20 |
Sires by average
| Snitzel | $1,425,000 | $475,000 | $825,000 | 3 |
| Justify | $1,120,000 | $373,333 | $550,000 | 3 |
| Wootton Bassett | $2,300,000 | $328,571 | $800,000 | 7 |
| Proisir | $7,410,000 | $274,444 | $1,600,000 | 27 |
| Savabeel | $10,720,000 | $261,463 | $650,000 | 41 |
| Satono Aladdin | $3,285,000 | $234,642 | $900,000 | 14 |
| So You Think | $1,315,000 | $219,166 | $400,000 | 6 |
| Capitalist | $590,000 | $196,666 | $260,000 | 3 |
| Written Tycoon | $590,000 | $196,666 | $250,000 | 3 |
| Ardrossan | $1,460,000 | $182,500 | $390,000 | 8 |
