Resilient clearance rate offsets market softening at Karaka, as local sires remain popular

8 min read
The 2025 Karaka Yearling Sale underscored a shifting market, with economic pressures contributing to a decline in average and median prices compared to last year’s record-breaking sale. Vendors had to adjust expectations which led to an improved clearance rate, particularly in Book 2, while international buyers made their presence felt at the top end, and standout sires like Satono Aladdin and Shamexpress saw strong demand.

Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

At A Glance

The Book 2 aggregate is NZ$9,759,000 (270 sold), down from NZ$11,444,000 (265 sold) reached in 2024.

The clearance rate stayed steady at 76 per cent, up from 58.1 per cent on Day 2 in 2024. Overall for Book 2, the clearance rate has been better than the last few years: 2024 - 70 per cent, 2023 - 71 per cent, and 2022 - 64 per cent.

At the conclusion of selling in Book 2, the average sat at NZ$36,144, down on 2024’s average of NZ$43,185. The median dropped to NZ$26,750, down from NZ$32,500 in 2024 and the lowest median in the last five years.

Top lot was Highden Park’s Lot 1079 colt by Satono Aladdin out of High Esteem for NZ$150,000 to John Foote. Foote led the buyers in Book 2 by aggregate with 8 yearlings purchased for $750,000 across both days.

Nine lots commanded prices of NZ$100,000 or more on day 2, adding to the 13 on day 1 for a total of 22. There were 17 in 2024.

The leading sire by aggregate was Satono Aladdin (Jpn) whose 11 sales netted NZ$1.025 million, while Shamexpress (NZ) led by average with his four yearlings making an average of NZ$97,500.

Sword Of State was the leading first season sire by average in Book 2 with nine yearlings sold at an average of NZ$51,056.

Figures reflect economic conditions

New Zealand Bloodstock were pleased with the overall results of their 99th yearling sale in 2025, particularly the higher clearance rate for Book 2 compared to previous years, but there was a sharp downturn in vital metrics. Both the median (NZ$26,750) and average (NZ$36,144), were down on 2024 median (NZ$32,250) and average (NZ$43,185).

“The figures don’t disguise the fact that there has been a softening in the market. The positive to come out of this Sale is the good increase in clearance rate,” said NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.

“We have seen a reduction in the average and median, compared with last year’s record sale, which I think can be directly attributed to the state of the economy. It’s not at all reflective of the positivity that’s in the racing industry at the moment and the great vibe that’s been around all week.”

Andrew Seabrook | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Book 2 saw a change of format, reduced to a two day sale from three, but with similar numbers of horses through the ring. In 2024, 265 horses sold, and this rose slightly in 2025 to 270 thanks to an improved clearance rate of 76 per cent (up from 70 per cent in 2024).

Kane Jones, New Zealand Bloodstock's Bloodstock Sales Manager, went on to comment: “We are particularly pleased with the clearance rate of 76 per cent, which will continue to climb, and it's up significantly in the past two to three years of selling at Book 2.”

“I think the clearance rate is what we need to focus on and be proud of. Vendors have come to meet the market and the quality horses have sold particularly well.”

Across both books, the clearance rate rose to 79 per cent (up from 76 per cent in 2024) and whilst down year-on-year, the median and average were comparable with 2023.

Kane Jones | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The entire five day sale grossed NZ$86,061,500, with the median dipping from NZ$90,000 in 2024 to NZ$80,000 in 2025. The median in 2023 was also NZ$80,000.

“We were thrilled to see so many people on the grounds for Book 1 and then the Karaka Millions raceday was outstanding with really high quality racing, which kicked us off into a really solid sale,” said Jones.

“I would just like to thank everyone who attended from near and far and the vendors for bringing quality horses to the market.”

“I would just like to thank everyone who attended from near and far and the vendors for bringing quality horses to the market.” - Kane Jones

Shamexpress makes an impact

Windsor Park Stud’s Shamexpress (NZ) has been riding the wave of success on the back of the outstanding form of his outstanding Hong Kong sprinting son Ka Ying Rising (NZ).

Throughout both books, Windsor Park presented five progeny by the son of O’Reilly (NZ) and they were rewarded substantially with 80 per cent selling for $100,000 or more at an average of NZ$112,000, a healthy figure off his 2022 service fee of $10,000 (plus GST).

On Day 2 of Book 2, Ben Kwok went to NZ$120,000 to purchase his colt out of Blinkie (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}), while Patella Bloodstock parted with NZ$125,000 to secure his colt out of High Tail It (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).

Gallery: Lots sired by Shamexpress from Windsor Park, images courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Rodney Schick, Stud Master and co-owner of Windsor Park Stud, spoke specifically about Lot 1082, explaining that he was a “lovely horse, very much in the style of Shamexpress. Great colour to him and great markings, very physical and a general standout.”

“It’s great that young Nick Kneebone has come back to New Zealand to train, it’s nice for him to get a nice horse like this colt.”

When speaking about Shamexpress and his results throughout the week, Schick was very proud to mention, “he’s only got small numbers, but when you leave a high class racehorse like Ka Ying Rising, it makes it a lot easier to sell them.”

Shamexpress (NZ) | Standing at Windsor Park

International buyers bounce back at the top end

It was interesting to note that international buyers were making their presence felt on Day 2, especially after local buyers led the way on Day 1. At the end of the day, five colts that sold for over NZ$100,000 will be making their way offshore at some stage in their careers.

The presence of buyers like Upper Bloodstock, John Foote, Tartan Meadow Bloodstock, Lindsay Park Racing/Rob Slade, and Ben Kwok indicates that the international market is very active in Book 2, particularly at the top end of the market.

The purchase of Lot 964 by Slade Bloodstock and Lindsay Park Racing is an exciting one, especially given the colt’s pedigree; he is a full brother to the three-time winner and multiple stakes-placed gelding Tibetan (NZ) (Shocking) and a half-brother to Our Jumala (NZ) (Zed {NZ}), who was successful four times and placed in the G3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes.

Lot 964 - Shocking x Baltis (NZ) (colt) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

The colt by Shocking from the 5-time winning Al Akbar mare Baltis (NZ) was purchased for NZ$115,000.

The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Rob Slade the Managing Director of Slade Bloodstock who said, “we were rapt to get the colt. Myself, the Hayes boys and Josh Rix all really liked him.”

“He is a really nice colt, he reminded me of Here To Shock in many ways, whom I also bought at Karaka… could lightning strike twice?”

“He (Lot 964) is a really nice colt, he reminded me of Here To Shock in many ways, whom I also bought at Karaka… could lightning strike twice?” - Rob Slade

Foote takes a shine to Aladdin

The dominance of Satono Aladdin (Jpn) has been impressive at Book 2 of the Karaka National Yearling Sales, with his progeny making a mark on both Day 1 and Day 2 - rewarding the breeders who backed him on his $12,500 (plus GST) 2022 service fee.

It’s clear that his stock is in high demand, especially with John Foote leading the charge. Foote’s ability to secure high-quality yearlings and make key purchases like Lot 1079, which went for NZ$150,000, demonstrates his confidence in the stallion's ability to produce top-level horses in Australia and Hong Kong.

Satono Aladdin has ended up siring both the top lots on both days, which solidifies his position as one of the most influential stallions in New Zealand. John Foote’s eight purchases, totaling $750,000 across the two days, and the colt from Highden Park, in particular, seems to have caught the eye with his pedigree and potential.

Lot 1079 - Satono Aladdin (Jpn) x High Esteem (NZ) | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

“I thought he was the nicest horse on the grounds,” Foote said.

“He had a fair bit of High Chaparral in him, which is always a great thing. So I was pretty happy to get him for that price. He comes from that very good Prized Gem family.”

“He was bought for David Price and will be going to Victoria and then potentially to Hong Kong.”

“John Thompson has got a good stallion on his hands with Satono Aladdin. He’s blessed, John. He’s got Proisir and Satono and Ace High doing well too, so he’s on fire.

“It’s been a bit tough on the second day actually, we got beaten a few times earlier in the day and then we managed to buy two this afternoon.

John Foote | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

“I’ve just been told Karaka opened in 1988, and I’ve been here since then,” he said. “Before that, I went to Trentham.

“I love Book 2. There’s some really nice horses at the right price.”

Top Lots on Day 2 of Book 2

1079Satono AladdinHigh EsteemColtHighden ParkJohn Foote BloodstockHong Kong $ 150,000
1061Satono AladdinGerdaColtSeaton Park LtdUniversal BloodstockAuckland $ 140,000
1082ShamexpressHigh Tail ItColtWindsor Park StudPatella BloodstockWaikato $ 125,000
981ShamexpressBlinkieColtWindsor Park StudBen KwokSingapore $ 120,000
964ShockingBaltisColtLeanach Lodge LtdSlade Bloodstock Pty Ltd/Lindsay Park RacingVictoria $ 115,000
928DoubtlandYatimaColtMilan ParkUpper BloodstockHong Kong $ 110,000
959Satono AladdinAttention SeekerFillyCurraghmoreStephen Gray Racing SyndicationManawatu-Whanganui $ 110,000
989BelardoCantataColtHaunui FarmTartan Meadow BloodstockHong Kong $ 100,000
1007SupidoCoolest AgendaColtMilan ParkPertab Racing / C ColeWaikato $ 100,000

Top 10 lots for Book 2

855Satono AladdinSparkling RoseFillyBrighthill FarmMr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)Te Akau $ 260,000
1079Satono AladdinHigh EsteemColtHighden ParkJohn Foote BloodstockHong Kong $ 150,000
707Ace HighMaenohaFillySeaton Park LtdMr RA James / Mr R WellwoodWaikato $ 145,000
1061Satono AladdinGerdaColtSeaton Park LtdUniversal BloodstockAuckland $ 140,000
686NoverreLa Jolie FilleColtArdsley Stud LtdJohn Foote BloodstockHong Kong $ 130,000
755Satono AladdinOctavia RoseColtRich Hill StudAndrew Campbell Bloodstock / T HeptinstallWellington $ 125,000
1082ShamexpressHigh Tail ItColtWindsor Park StudPatella BloodstockWaikato $ 125,000
981ShamexpressBlinkieColtWindsor Park StudBen KwokSingapore $ 120,000
964ShockingBaltisColtLeanach Lodge LtdSlade Bloodstock Pty Ltd/Lindsay Park RacingVictoria $ 115,000
959Satono AladdinAttention SeekerFillyCurraghmoreStephen Gray Racing SyndicationManawatu-Whanganui $ 110,000
928DoubtlandYatimaColtMilan ParkUpper BloodstockHong Kong $ 110,000

Buyers by aggregate (Book 2)

John Foote Bloodstock8 $ 750,000 $ 93,750
Tartan Meadow Bloodstock6 $ 540,000 $ 90,000
Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ)1 $ 260,000 $ 260,000
Universal Bloodstock4 $ 255,000 $ 63,750
Mr SA Sharrock6 $ 245,000 $ 40,833
Andrew Campbell Bloodstock / T Heptinstall5 $ 243,500 $ 48,700
St Kilda Lodge2 $ 190,000 $ 95,000
Beamish Bloodstock Ltd4 $ 170,000 $ 42,500
Mr HN Auret6 $ 167,000 $ 27,833
Pertab Racing / C Cole3 $ 166,000 $ 55,333

Buyers by average (Book 2)(2 or more bought)

St Kilda Lodge2 $ 190,000 $ 95,000
John Foote Bloodstock8 $ 750,000 $ 93,750
Tartan Meadow Bloodstock6 $ 540,000 $ 90,000
Mr CR McCarroll2 $ 152,500 $ 76,250
Ben Kwok2 $ 145,000 $ 72,500
Pike Racing2 $ 137,500 $ 68,750
Universal Bloodstock4 $ 255,000 $ 63,750
VL Bloodstock Ltd2 $ 115,000 $ 57,500
Pertab Racing / C Cole3 $ 166,000 $ 55,333
Patella Bloodstock3 $ 160,000 $ 53,333

Vendors by aggregate (Book 2)

Westbury Stud5544 $ 1,174,500 $ 26,693
Brighthill Farm2216 $ 705,500 $ 44,094
Milan Park99 $ 620,000 $ 68,889
Seaton Park Ltd2217 $ 608,500 $ 35,794
Windsor Park Stud2011 $ 583,000 $ 53,000
Haunui Farm2112 $ 503,000 $ 41,917
Highview149 $ 406,500 $ 45,167
Carlaw Park86 $ 330,000 $ 55,000
Little Avondale Stud118 $ 312,000 $ 39,000
Ardsley Stud Ltd44 $ 305,000 $ 76,250

Vendors by average (Book 2)(2 or more sold)

Ardsley Stud Ltd44 $ 305,000 $ 76,250
Milan Park99 $ 620,000 $ 68,889
Curraghmore54 $ 235,000 $ 58,750
Hallmark Stud52 $ 115,000 $ 57,500
Carlaw Park86 $ 330,000 $ 55,000
Windsor Park Stud2011 $ 583,000 $ 53,000
Kilgravin Lodge74 $ 193,000 $ 48,250
Woburn Farm92 $ 93,000 $ 46,500
Highview149 $ 406,500 $ 45,167
Rich Hill Stud126 $ 269,000 $ 44,833

Vendors with 100 per cent clearance (Book 2)

Milan Park99 $ 620,000 $ 68,889
Ardsley Stud Ltd44 $ 305,000 $ 76,250
Hiwiroa Lodge22 $ 37,000 $ 18,500
Beaufort Downs Ltd22 $ 35,500 $ 17,750
Inglewood Stud11 $ 72,500 $ 72,500
J. O. Burrows11 $ 32,000 $ 32,000
M. R. Wingrove11 $ 15,000 $ 15,000
Cambria Park11 $ 11,000 $ 11,000
Kaha Nui Farm11 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
Te Aute Stud11 $ 7,000 $ 7,000
Advantageous Ventures11 $ 5,000 $ 5,000

Sires by aggregate (Book 2)

Satono Aladdin1711 $ 1,025,000 $ 93,182
Noverre2215 $ 583,500 $ 38,900
Tarzino3326 $ 550,500 $ 21,173
Sword of State139 $ 459,500 $ 51,056
Shamexpress54 $ 390,000 $ 97,500
Ardrossan189 $ 378,000 $ 42,000
Ace High189 $ 361,000 $ 40,111
Wrote86 $ 353,500 $ 58,917
Shocking115 $ 336,000 $ 67,200
Proisir107 $ 332,500 $ 47,500

Sires by average (Book 2)(2 or more sold)

Shamexpress54 $ 390,000 $ 97,500
Satono Aladdin1711 $ 1,025,000 $ 93,182
Belardo32 $ 142,500 $ 71,250
Shocking115 $ 336,000 $ 67,200
Supido32 $ 132,500 $ 66,250
Royal Meeting22 $ 120,000 $ 60,000
Wrote86 $ 353,500 $ 58,917
Contributer43 $ 155,000 $ 51,667
Sword of State139 $ 459,500 $ 51,056
Fierce Impact43 $ 147,500 $ 49,167

Book 2 by gender

Colt251157 $ 6,430,500 $ 40,959
Filly175112 $ 3,296,500 $ 29,433
Gelding11 $ 32,000 $ 32,000
New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale
Satono Aladdin (Jpn)
Shamexpress (NZ)
John Foote
Kane Jones
Andrew Seabrook