Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Gallopers that carry the New Zealand suffix consistently punch above their weight, and 'Kiwi breds' have continued to perform well overseas, highlighted by the outstanding Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}).
The New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale provides another opportunity to source New Zealand bred talent, Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) is currently a headline act as the world's highest-rated sprinter, as he recently recorded a 12th consecutive victory in breathtaking fashion in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize at Sha Tin and now has his eyes on the G1 The Everest.
Ka Ying Rising (NZ) winning the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
He comes on the back of Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse), another New Zealand-bred sprinter who has been a star in Hong Kong, proving that New Zealand breds arent just Guineas and Derby types, but they can match the worlds best over sprint distances.
This sale offers an abundance of opportunity for both pinhookers and end users to secure quality stock, with the session a proven source of racetrack and investment success.
The 2025 National Weanling Sale is set to be the second year of running as a straight Weanling sale after 150 lots were catalogued last year. This year there is a similar number of 134 set to be offered on Thursday 26 June at Karaka,.
Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Buyers will have the opportunity to secure progeny of established sires Proisir, Savabeel, Super Seth, Shamexpress (NZ), Almanzor (Fr), Per Incanto (USA) and Shocking, plus emerging sires Ace High, Ardrossan (NZ), Satono Aladdin (Fr), Sword of State, U S Navy Flag (USA) and Hello Youmzain (Fr) to name a few.
Jones commented “We're really pleased with what we have to offer, with all the top local stallions represented. We're also working on some exciting supplementary entries, so keep an eye out for those in the next week or so.”
Recent stakes-performers sourced from this Sale include Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel), Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns), plus Group One winners Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante), Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle), R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO winner Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) and more.
“This sale has produced a number of Group 1 winners and a Karaka Million winner in recent times.” Jones said, “I have no doubt we'll see some graduates from this year's sale add to the tally.”
Profondo | Standing at Windsor Park Stud
The 2025 edition of the National Weanling Sale will see Windsor Park Stud’s first season sire Profondo grace the Karaka sales ring. With nine lots on offer, the son of Deep Impact (Jpn) made a big impression on breeders in his first season at stud, covering 177 mares.
Jones commented about Profondo “We are proud and excited to offer the first crop of Deep Impact's Group 1 winning son He was a high priced yearling and justified that when winning the G1 Spring Champion Stakes.
“He's a gorgeous type and has really imparted that in his foals. They're everything you would hope for as a breeder.”
“He's (Profondo) a gorgeous type and has really imparted that in his foals. They're everything you would hope for as a breeder.” -Kane Jones
All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the NZ$1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO, followed by the NZ$1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO as well as the new NZ$1 million Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand.
Jones went on to say that “Karaka Millions eligibility is a big drawcard. Nominated horses have the opportunity to compete in the NZ$1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO and the NZ$1.5 millions 3YO.
“On top of that is the NZ$1 million Mega Maiden Series, which has been extremely well received this season.”
Kane Jones | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Weanlings entered in the Sale will be available for inspections at the on-farm parades, due to take place in early June, and on-site at Karaka Sales Centre prior to the Sale, with NZB agents available to inspect on behalf of buyers.
In an exciting and different move, the National Weanling Sale will be held on the same date as the National Standardbred Weanling Sale at Karaka. The joint sale date will see the thoroughbred session get underway first from 10am (NZT), with the standardbred weanlings following from 2.30pm.
