Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
At A Glance
At the close of Book 2, the gross was reported as NZ$11,444,000, slightly below the 2023 figure of NZ$11,516,000. However, 2024 saw 265 lots sold in comparison to 267 in 2023.
At the time of writing - 6.40pm AEDT, the clearance rate sat at 70.3 per cent.
The average currently sits at NZ$43,184 compared to the 2023 figure of NZ$43,131. Meanwhile, the median recorded was NZ$32,500, slightly better than the 2023 figure of NZ$32,000.
Ballymore Stables, Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman ended Book 2 as the leading buyer, spending a gross of NZ$788,500 and an average of NZ$78,850 for 10 lots. They were also responsible for Friday's session-topper Lot 1081, a filly by Ancient Spirit, purchased for NZ$160,000.
Westbury Stud was the leading vendor on gross of Book 2, selling 16 lots at a gross of NZ$992,500 and an average of NZ$62,031. Westbury Stud achieved a top price of NZ$130,000 for Lot 731, a filly by Sun City, sold to Benner Racing on Wednesday.
Waikato Stud's Ardrossan was the leading sire by gross, with his six Book 2 offerings achieving a gross of NZ$623,500 and an average of NZ$103,916. Ardrossan's top-priced lot was Lot 907, a colt who made NZ$165,000 to Benner Racing.
Strong final day's trade caps phenomenal sale for NZB
On Friday, the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) National Sale at the Karaka complex came to a close, with Lot 971 to 1125 making their trek through the sale ring to finalise a successful week of selling. As usual, the top end of the market held strong.
Meanwhile, there was an appetite for young up-and-coming sires and freshman sires, with stallions such as Satono Aladdin (Jpn), Embellish (NZ), Circus Maximus (Ire) and Ardrossan among others finding flavour with buyers.
Gallery: There was a big appetite for young up-and-coming sires and freshman sires
New Zealand Bloodstock’s Bloodstock Sales Manager, Kane Jones, was incredibly pleased with Friday’s trade.
“Today (Friday) was particularly strong. We saw something similar on the third day of Book 2 last year, and it’s been the same today,” Jones told The Thoroughbred Report after the session.
“We saw very spirited bidding for those quality horses. Those lots have been well-found in Book 2, and it just shows there’s a real appetite for those quality horses.”
Jones and the New Zealand Bloodstock team were also buoyed by the strong results the locally based contingent of sires achieved.
“It was incredibly pleasing to see several exciting, proven and emerging young New Zealand-based sires featured prominently at the top of the buying list. The quality horses were extremely well-found, and the bidding was very competitive. The results over the last three days have shown that.”
Kane Jones | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Again, results showed a diverse group of buyers operating with international participation complemented strongly by a local buying bench.
“On Friday, we still saw international buyers featured prominently at the top of the buying list, but also some New Zealand-based pinhookers, trainers and traders, which has been particularly heartening. It was a robust trade today.
“Friday was by far and away the strongest of the three Book 2 days. We also noticed a lot of online bidding activity, so the buyers have woken to the sale and were particularly active online.”
“Friday was by far and away the strongest of the three Book 2 days. We also noticed a lot of online bidding activity, so the buyers have woken to the sale and were particularly active online.” - Kane Jones
Overall, Jones and the team couldn’t be happier with the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale results.
“The overall aggregate has been well over NZ$91 million. It has been exceptional. Book 1 was really strong and recorded a buoyant average, and the quality horses were well-found throughout Book 1 and Book 2. We were also pleased with bidding on those lots over both Books, with the competitive bidding starting on Sunday and following through to our closing day (Friday).
“Overall, we are just very pleased. There’s a lot of positivity in the New Zealand industry. We’ve got a way to go, but there’s a massive upswing currently, so I think the future is pretty bright.”
“Overall, we are just very pleased. There’s a lot of positivity in the New Zealand industry. We’ve got a way to go, but there’s a massive upswing currently, so I think the future is pretty bright.” - Kane Jones
Freshman sire records big result
Freshman sire Ancient Spirit (Ger) - a son of Invincible Spirit (Ire), who stands at White Robe Lodge in Taieri Plains of the South Island, achieved a sensational result on Friday, the final day of the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale when his daughter, Lot 1081 finished as the session sale-topper at NZ$160,000.
Lot 1081, consigned by Inglewood Stud, was purchased by Ballymore Stables, Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman. The filly is the second foal from the unraced Zacinto (GB) mare Back Date (NZ), who is a three-quarter sister to the stakes-performed Miss Mandito (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) and is also related to the multiple Group winner Dating (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
The filly is from the first crop of Ancient Spirit, who was represented by four lots throughout the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale averaging NZ$92,500 from a NZ$7000 (plus GST) service fee.
Gallery: Lot 1081 was Day 3's top lot selling for NZ$160,000
Ancient Spirit, a son of Invincible Spirit (Ire), claimed the G2 Köln Mehl-Mülhens Rennen (German 2000 Guineas) and the G2 Baden-Baden Oettingen Rennen as a 3-year-old, later adding the Listed Celebration S. and Navan S.
Paul Moroney, co-purchaser of the filly, told The Thoroughbred Report, “I saw the filly (Lot 1081) during Book 1 as she was one of the few Book 2 yearlings on site having travelled up from the South Island.
“I instantly thought she was as good as I’d seen. I told Mike (Moroney) this morning after our third look at her that she was a must-buy and clearly he agreed after seeing her for the first time in the early afternoon.
Catheryne Bruggeman and Paul Moroney | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“She looked like one of the best I Am Invincible fillies you would find at the main Australian sales, and, of course like that Champion Sire, her sire Ancient Spirit, a German 2000 Guineas winner is a son of Invincible Spirit.
“Lot 1081 has all the power, shape and style of that sireline. She comes from a deep filly family going back generations to racemares such as Silver Darling and Lumley Lass which were high-class race mares when Mike and I were teenagers.”
Gus Wigley, who owns and operates Inglewood Stud, alongside partner Bianca Wigley was over the moon with the result achieved by Lot 1081.
“We were blown away by that result, it was a great way to finish what has been a super week for Inglewood Stud,” Gus Wigley shared with The Thoroughbred Report.
“We were blown away by that result, it was a great way to finish what has been a super week for Inglewood Stud.” - Gus Wigley
“The filly’s grandmother (Mandate) was the first mare I ever bought and we put her to our stallion Zacinto to breed this filly’s mother (Backdate), so it’s a special family for us.
“I’m also thrilled to get a great price for the team at White Robe Lodge, who stand Ancient Spirit, they’re good friends and great people so we’re stoked for them.”
Young Kiwis to the fore
It is undeniable, there is incredible depth to the New Zealand stallion ranks. At the top of the tree there’s Rich Hill Stud’s Proisir, and Waikato Stud’s Savabeel. They are supported by an emerging cast of locally bred sires and adopted Kiwis, who now call New Zealand home, such as Satono Aladdin, Almanzor (Fr), Hello Youmzain (Ire), U S Navy Flag (USA), War Decree (USA), Circus Maxmius and the list could go on.
Across the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, these stallions were well-received by buyers and the momentum continued into Book 2 and the final day of selling.
As mentioned previously, a freshman sire, Ancient Spirit, topped proceedings on Friday. However, he was followed by another freshman sire in Windsor Park Stud’s Circus Maximus, who was represented by Lot 1049 offered by Ralph Thoroughbreds.
The filly was purchased for NZ$110,000 to Liam Birchley’s Bloodstock Solutions. The Queensland-based trainer made comment to The Thoroughbred Report, “I thought she (Lot 1049) was the filly of the sale.
“She looks strong enough to run as a 2-year-old but has the scope to improve at three. She looks perfect for the new races and incentives coming up, alongside the fact she’s out of a Savabeel mare, Word Savvy, so you can’t go wrong with that.”
Cambridge Stud-based sires Hello Youmzain and Embellish also recorded pleasing results, with Lisa Latta Racing paying NZ$90,000 for Lot 980, a filly, offered by Beaufort Downs, while Embellish, who stands alongside Hello Youmzain saw the Hiwiroa Lodge-consigned colt offered as Lot 1088, make NZ$110,000 to the bid of Richardson Racing Stables. While, the proven Almanzor saw a filly, Lot 1034, offered by Highline Thoroughbreds sell to Kasa Bloodstock.
Simon Alexander of Kasa Bloodstock told The Thoroughbred Report, “She (Lot 1034) was a lovely filly with a Book 1 pedigree.”
Lot 1034 - Almanzor (Fr) x Vin Rouge (NZ) (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Lot 1034 is from the family of the star juvenile Amelia’s Dream (Redoute’s Choice), the Group 1-placed Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and the recent Group 2 winner About Time (NZ) (American Pharoah {USA}).
Waikato Stud’s young stallion Ardrossan also posted a more than pleasing result on Friday, his son, Lot 1029 offered by Seaton Park was purchased for NZ$120,000 by Bell Racing.
Australian bound
Australian-based buyers made their mark on Friday, snapping up several at the top-end of the market.
Among them was Lot 1077, a filly by Rich Hill Stud’s Satono Aladdin from the Hidden Dragon mare Ardere. The filly was purchased by Lee Ann Imboden, on behalf of Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for NZ$100,000.
Lot 1077 is closely related to the Group 2 winner Seradess (Astern), and her Group 3-winning half-sister Rose Quartz (Written Tycoon).
Lot 1077 - Satono Aladdin (Jpn) x Ardere (filly) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Imboden, who’s role at Ciaron Maher Racing includes client relations and bloodstock, told The Thoroughbred Report from the Karaka complex, “I stayed in New Zealand for Book 2 and had a look at the horses and she caught my eye, she Lot (1077) was the one I wanted to buy.
“We (Ciaron Maher Racing) love Satono Aladdin and we missed out on the expensive ones, but glad to have walked away with one. We have one Satono Aladdin in the stable and she should break her maiden soon.
“Satono Aladdin is a terrific stallion. You only need to look at his stats, alongside Proisir, who also stands at Rich Hill Stud. We love Satono (Aladdin) and we love Proisir.
“It was an obvious call, and we sort of had an order from the owner of Ruthless Dame, and I just felt this filly was a very similar style of horse to her. So, she’ll (Lot 1077) will race in the same colours as Ruthless Dame and hopefully can achieve the same level of success as her.”
“... I just felt this filly was a very similar style of horse to her. So, she’ll (Lot 1077) will race in the same colours as Ruthless Dame and hopefully can achieve the same level of success as her (Ruthless Dame).” - Lee Ann Imboden
Other Victorian-based trainers were active including the Morington-based Tony Noonan, who purchased Lot 1021, a colt from Little Avondale Stud, by Rosemont Stud’s promising Strasbourg, a son of I Am Invincible for NZ$90,000.
The Ballarat-based Mitch Freedman also shelled NZ$70,000, alongside Phill Cataldo Bloodstock (BAFNZ) for Lot 1053, a daughter of Zed (NZ), best known as the sire of the 11-time Group 1 winner Verry Elleegant (NZ), from Hallmark Stud.
Top Buyers
| Ballymore Stables / Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman | $788,500 | $78,850 | $170,000 | 10 |
| Wallace Thoroughbreds Ltd | $388,500 | $55,500 | $100,000 | 7 |
| Lisa Latta Racing Stables | $340,500 | $48,642 | $90,000 | 7 |
| Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman / Sears Racing | $327,000 | $109,000 | $220,000 | 3 |
| Patrick Payne | $302,500 | $60,500 | $75,000 | 5 |
| Richardson Racing Stables | $300,000 | $100,000 | $110,000 | 3 |
| Benner Racing Ltd | $295,000 | $147,500 | $165,000 | 2 |
| John Foote Bloodstock | $277,500 | $69,375 | $120,000 | 4 |
| Rogerson Bloodstock | $263,000 | $65,750 | $75,000 | 4 |
| Phill Cataldo Bloodstock (BAFNZ) | $260,000 | $65,000 | $105,000 | 4 |
Vendors by aggregate
| Westbury Stud | $992,500 | $62,031 | $130,000 | 16 |
| Rich Hill Stud | $779,500 | $64,958 | $170,000 | 12 |
| Haunui Farm | $720,000 | $31,304 | $77,500 | 23 |
| Landsdowne Park Ltd | $702,000 | $63,818 | $165,000 | 11 |
| Seaton Park Ltd | $638,000 | $33,578 | $140,000 | 19 |
| Ralph Thoroughbreds | $510,000 | $56,666 | $140,000 | 9 |
| Highview | $487,500 | $69,642 | $140,000 | 7 |
| Brighthill Farm | $427,500 | $47,500 | $140,000 | 9 |
| Highline Thoroughbreds | $427,500 | $47,500 | $140,000 | 9 |
| Mapperley Stud Ltd | $416,000 | $46,222 | $140,000 | 9 |
Vendors by average
| Inglewood Stud | $295,000 | $98,333 | $160,000 | 3 |
| Highview | $487,500 | $69,642 | $120,000 | 7 |
| Beckam Equine | $205,000 | $68,333 | $150,000 | 3 |
| Rich Hill Stud | $779,500 | $64,958 | $170,000 | 12 |
| Landsdowne Park Ltd | $702,000 | $63,818 | $165,000 | 11 |
| Westbury Stud | $992,500 | $62,031 | $130,000 | 16 |
| Beaufort Downs Ltd | $235,000 | $58,750 | $90,000 | 4 |
| Ralph Thoroughbreds | $510,000 | $56,666 | $110,000 | 9 |
| HGT Bloodstock Ltd | $325,000 | $54,166 | $120,000 | 6 |
| Platinum Bloodstock | $161,500 | $53,833 | $100,000 | 3 |
Sires by aggregate
| Ardrossan | $623,500 | $103,916 | $165,000 | 6 |
| El Roca | $533,500 | $48,500 | $130,000 | 11 |
| Contributer | $520,000 | $43,333 | $100,000 | 12 |
| Wrote | $499,500 | $71,357 | $120,000 | 7 |
| Time Test | $471,000 | $39,250 | $220,000 | 12 |
| Almanzor | $446,000 | $49,555 | $100,000 | 9 |
| Ace High | $423,000 | $52,875 | $140,000 | 8 |
| U S Navy Flag | $404,000 | $57,714 | $90,000 | 7 |
| Redwood | $384,500 | $54,928 | $80,000 | 7 |
| Embellish | $361,500 | $32,863 | $110,000 | 11 |
Sires by average
| Ardrossan | $623,500 | $103,916 | $165,000 | 6 |
| Wrote | $499,500 | $71,357 | $120,000 | 7 |
| U S Navy Flag | $404,000 | $57,714 | $90,000 | 7 |
| Redwood | $384,500 | $54,928 | $80,000 | 7 |
| Ace High | $423,000 | $52,875 | $140,000 | 8 |
| Almanzor | $446,000 | $49,555 | $100,000 | 9 |
| El Roca | $533,500 | $48,500 | $130,000 | 11 |
| Contributer | $520,000 | $43,333 | $100,000 | 12 |
| Time Test | $471,000 | $39,250 | $220,000 | 12 |
| Embellish | $361,500 | $32,863 | $110,000 | 11 |
