Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
At A Glance
Mr Sanxiong Gao of China, purchased the top lot for NZ$750,000, a Per Incanto (USA) colt from the Kiltannon Draft. He also purchased the second top lot, a Satono Aladdin (Jpn) colt, for NZ$675,000 from the Riversley Park draft.
Nine lots made NZ$400,000 or more which was the exact same number as last year's sale after Day 1.
The aggregate for Day 1 was NZ$19,232,000, up from 2024’s figure of NZ$18,547,000.
The median of NZ$120,000 represented an increase from the NZ$100,000 median recorded in 2024.
The average of NZ$161,613 marked a slight decrease from the 2024 average of NZ$173,336.
The clearance rate was the same as 2024 at 65%.
Mr Sanxiong Gao topped the buyers' charts on Day 1, spending NZ$1,425,000 on two lots at an average of NZ$712,500.
Riversley Park was the leading vendor, selling 14 lots for NZ$3,105,000.
Lindsay Park combine with a new client to score the top two lots
Mr Sanxiong Gao of China made a strong first impression at Karaka, teaming up with Lindsay Park who were bidding on his behalf to secure the top two lots on day 1 of the NZB Ready to Run Sale for a combined figure of NZ$1,425,000 (AU$1,233,913).
The day’s top-priced horse was Lot 214, a powerful bay colt by the in-form and in-demand Per Incanto (USA) from the draft of Kiltannon Stables, who sold for NZ$750,000 (AU$649,518). He was originally a NZ$300,000 (AU$259,807) purchase by Mr AP Chan from the Cambridge Stud draft at this year's New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale.
The colt is the sixth foal out of Aleria (Fastnet Rock), who was placed as a 3-year-old and is a full sister to the four-time winner and Group 2-placed Thorondor. Aleria has already produced two winners, including War Eternal (NZ) (Pierro), a five-time winner and multiple Group performer who also ran fourth in the G1 Randwick Guineas.
Earlier in the session, Lot 105 proved a cracking result for Riversley Park and co-owner Mick Guerin. The Satono Aladdin (Jpn) colt out of Shezdelicious (Atlante) was purchased earlier this year for NZ$130,000 (AU$112,569) from the Landsdowne Park draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale and sold for NZ$675,000 (AU$568,907) on Wednesday.
The stylish colt breezed up in 10.55 seconds and was the subject of a spirited bidding duel before the Lindsay Park team, acting for Mr Gao, prevailed.
By Rich Hill Stud’s outstanding sire Satono Aladdin (Jpn), the colt boasts a strong pedigree, being out of a winning half-sister to Madison County (NZ) (Pins) - a dual Group 1 winner of the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and Levin Classic - and Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}), a $1.6 million earner and Group 1 placegetter in the South Australian Derby.
“I wasn’t actually coming to the sale as Ka Ying Rising is trialling on Friday, and he (Mr Gao) asked if I could come down and help him pick a few horses that might be suitable for Hong Kong one day,” said David Hayes.
“So here we are - and he’s got deep pockets. I asked him what his budget was and he said, ‘Try and find the ones you like - don’t worry about the budget.’
“That’s music to a trainer’s ears,” Hayes laughed.
“I asked him what his budget was and he said, ‘Try and find the ones you like - don’t worry about the budget.’ That’s music to a trainer’s ears.” - David Hayes
“With the help of Dean Hawthorne, we’ve been shopping around - Josh Rix and JD (Hayes) as well. The plan is these horses will go back to Lindsay Park, as Ka Ying did, and the most suitable one will probably go to Hong Kong, while the other will likely race with the boys in Australia.”
When asked which one might stay in Australia and which could head to Hong Kong, Hayes added:
David Hayes | Image courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
“Look, Satono has incredible figures in the Southern Hemisphere - 12% stakes winners, which is elite. Per Incantos work everywhere; they’re pretty safe.
"The boys have had wonderful luck with their horse lately. Dean knows what we like, and he found a group of about 30 horses to have a second look at, and they were two of our favourites, and maybe there is one more tomorrow.
“No doubt Ka Ying Rising has been incredible for business, like Mr Brightside has been for the boys - both good Kiwi horses.
“You never know, really - Mr Brightside is a Bullbars, and Shamexpress has the best horse in the world. When you test them, you get a fair idea. They’ll go to Lindsay Park, get fully tested, and we’ll make a decision on what we do.”
Cummings takes a shine to a son of his former star Bivouac
James Cummings opened his wallet to the tune of NZ$425,000 (AU$367,975) to secure Lot 110, a Bivouac gelding out of the dual juvenile winner and Listed placegetter Shrill (GB) (Shamardal {USA}), offered by Sam Beatson’s Riversley Park draft.
It was a terrific result for Beatson, who had sourced the gelding from the 2025 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale Book 2 for $65,000, turning that investment into just over 6.5 times the original purchase price.
The sharp-looking gelding clocked the fastest breeze-up time of the sale, stopping the clock at 10.27 seconds, and looks an ideal type for Cummings to campaign from his Hong Kong base, which he will call home next season. As the former trainer of Bivouac – the three-time Group 1 winner and now promising stallion – Cummings had particular insight into the colt’s appeal.
“We liked his mechanics; he produced the gallop of the sale, and if we were to take one home on the gallop alone, he was the one,” Cummings said.
“We also find some familiarity in the fact he is by a horse I trained in Bivouac, and he is out of a terrific broodmare sire (Shamardal). He has a great nature, there is a lot to like about that horse, and we are excited to get him.”
When asked about his impressive gallop, Cummings added: “He has a fast disposition, he does look like a machine, and I think the fact that he looked to be doing it comfortably is a good sign.”
“He (Lot 110) has a fast disposition, he does look like a machine, and I think the fact that he looked to be doing it comfortably is a good sign.” - James Cummings
“I had a bit of confidence in that horse, and that is an important quality to be bringing to the auction ring. We are very excited to get him, so hopefully he goes on with it. There’s extra value there knowing about his bloodlines. It’s great to get a son of Bivouac that we really rate and are excited to get.”
Shrill is a half-sister to Group 2 winners Silent Honor (Ire) (Sunday Silence {USA}) and Silkwood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), while the pedigree also features the dual Group 1 winner Old Persian (Dubawi {Ire})
James Cummings | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Wootton Bassett in demand
As one of only three Wootton Bassett (GB) colts or geldings in the sale – and the only lot by the late stallion to go through the ring on Day 1 – demand for his progeny was always expected to be strong. So it proved when Lot 70, a robust son of Raptures (Fastnet Rock) from the BMD draft, sold to Peter Twomey of Wattle Bloodstock for $420,000.
The colt breezed up nicely in a time of 10.96 seconds and was originally purchased for $180,000 by Blandford Bloodstock at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
The result delivered a healthy profit for his connections while still representing what Twomey believed was good value.
“He breezed up quite well, by a proven stallion, and they aren’t making them anymore. I thought he was a nice horse as a yearling – $180,000 to come here and pay $420,000 Kiwi, about $350,000 Aussie, given the exchange rate. I thought he was pretty reasonable value,” Twomey said.
“He will probably stay in New Zealand for a little while. He has been purchased for an Australian owner, and he will head back to Australia at some point – whether that is in three months or six months, but he will do his racing in Australia.
“My analysis of this sale is that a lot of the better horses are the later types wanting a mile plus. He might be able to sprint, but with his pedigree, and what Wootton Bassett is doing with Fastnet Rock mares, the aim is to come here and find a miler.
Peter Twomey | Image courtesy of Wattle Bloodstock
“If he races to his pedigree, he could be anything. I think $420,000 is pretty reasonable. He is still a colt and has pedigree. He knew it every now and again – he wasn’t being crazy – but we’re not going to push him. As I said, my analysis of this sale is that even though it’s a Ready to Run Sale, they do need a bit of time to show their best.”
“We hope he will be a Guineas horse in time and maybe get over ground after that.”
“The guys at BMD have done a really good job. They haven’t pushed him. He is quite a tall, big horse – in the mould of a Gallo Nero or a Pallaton – a big, strong Wootton Bassett out of a Fastnet Rock mare. The size didn’t put me off; if anything, it probably encouraged me to go that one extra bid.”
“We hope he (Lot 70) will be a Guineas horse in time and maybe get over ground after that.” - Peter Twomey
The colt is the first live foal out of Raptures, a three-time winner who was also fourth in the Listed Morphettville Guineas. Raptures is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Castlereagh Kid (Snitzel) and to Group-placed performers Aberfeldie Boy (So You Think {NZ}), Happy Hannah (More Than Ready {USA}) and Killcare Beachgirl (Too Darn Hot {GB}).
This colt’s third dam is the outstanding breed-shaper Joie Denise (Danehill {USA}), with the family including multiple Group 1 winners Tuesday Joy (Carnegie {Ire}) and More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}) – underscoring a pedigree rich in class and depth.
Harry Angel colt provides a big windfall for the Stratfords
When the hammer fell at NZ$425,000 (AU$367,970) for Lot 12, sold to the bid of Sweetbriar Equine Pty Ltd and Mark Newnham Bloodstock and offered by Curraghmore, it provided a huge thrill and financial return for Manawatu dairy farmers Mark and Tania Stratford.
The Harry Angel (Ire) colt impressed with his masculinity and power, breezing in a sharp time of 10.75 seconds. It proved to be an outstanding result for Stratford, who had purchased the dam, Ocean Spray (Fastnet Rock), for a bargain $4250 via the 2022 Inglis June (Late) Online Sale - and now, she has produced a NZ$425,000 (AU$367,970) colt.
“I’m very proud and I’m rapt that he’s going to a good home. I’ll be watching with interest and hopefully he does well,” Stratford said.
“To be honest, I’ve been working with Regan (Donnison), ex-New Zealand Bloodstock - he’s worked with me the whole way and he actually picked the sire Harry Angel. I can’t speak highly enough of him; he’s so honest, and I need brutal honesty. Don’t flour-coat it, that’s how I work. Once I picked up this mare, I said to him, ‘Go to Harry Angel - I think she’ll be alright with him.’”
When asked what he thought the colt might make, Stratford added, “I thought he might make $400,000. Gordon Cunningham gave me some feedback last night and said he had been very popular, and he looks good - he looks like a real boy. I thought we could get there, but I’m rapt.”
Top Lots
| 214 | Per Incanto (USA) | Aleria | Colt | Kiltannon Stables Ltd | Mr Sanxiong Gao | $750,000 |
| 105 | Satono Aladdin (Jpn) | Shezdelicious | Colt | Riversley Park Ltd | Mr Sanxiong Gao | $675,000 |
| 84 | Snitzel | Samovare | Colt | KB Bloodstock | Patella Bloodstock Ltd | $525,000 |
| 9 | Sword of State | O'Carol | Colt | Riverrock Farm | Laming Bloodstock Pty Ltd | $500,000 |
| 138 | Ole Kirk | Statuesquely | Colt | Ohukia Lodge | David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) | $480,000 |
| 12 | Harry Angel (Ire) | Ocean Spray | Colt | Curraghmore | Sweetbriar Equine Pty Ltd / Mark Newnham Bloodstock Pty Ltd | $425,000 |
| 110 | Bivouac | Shrill | Gelding | Riversley Park Ltd | James Cummings | $425,000 |
| 70 | Wootton Bassett (GB) | Raptures | Colt | BMD Bloodstock | Wattle Bloodstock | $420,000 |
| 129 | Satono Aladdin (Jpn) | Sparkle and Shine | Gelding | Riversley Park Ltd | Magus Equine | $400,000 |
| 93 | Ace High | Secret Lily | Colt | Kiltannon Stables Ltd | Mr KM Yeung | $380,000 |
Top Buyers
| Mr Sanxiong Gao | 2 | $1,425,000 | $ 712,500 |
| James Cummings | 2 | $655,000 | $ 327,500 |
| Solari Bloodstock Company Limited | 3 | $650,000 | $ 216,667 |
| R Yiu | 2 | $635,000 | $ 317,500 |
| Mr KM Yeung | 3 | $615,000 | $ 205,000 |
| Laming Bloodstock Pty Ltd | 2 | $600,000 | $ 300,000 |
| Wattle Bloodstock | 2 | $580,000 | $ 290,000 |
| Patella Bloodstock Ltd | 1 | $525,000 | $ 525,000 |
| Magus Equine | 2 | $510,000 | $ 255,000 |
| Mr Ryan Fownes | 2 | $500,000 | $ 250,000 |
Top sires by aggregate
| Satono Aladdin (Jpn) | 4 | $1,305,000 | $ 326,250 |
| Per Incanto (USA) | 2 | $980,000 | $ 490,000 |
| Noverre (NZ) | 7 | $865,000 | $ 123,571 |
| Harry Angel (Ire) | 3 | $860,000 | $ 286,667 |
| Bivouac | 4 | $805,000 | $ 201,250 |
| Proisir | 5 | $775,000 | $ 155,000 |
| Sword of State | 3 | $710,000 | $ 236,667 |
| Ole Kirk | 2 | $690,000 | $ 345,000 |
| Super Seth | 3 | $670,000 | $ 223,333 |
| Star Turn | 3 | $620,000 | $ 206,667 |
Top sires by average (2 or more sold)
| Per Incanto (USA) | 2 | $490,000 | $ 980,000 |
| Ole Kirk | 2 | $345,000 | $ 690,000 |
| Satono Aladdin (Jpn) | 4 | $326,250 | $ 1,305,000 |
| Harry Angel (Ire) | 3 | $286,667 | $ 860,000 |
| Ace High | 2 | $260,000 | $ 520,000 |
| Sword of State | 3 | $236,667 | $ 710,000 |
| Super Seth | 3 | $223,333 | $ 670,000 |
| Blue Point (Ire) | 2 | $215,000 | $ 430,000 |
| El Roca | 2 | $215,000 | $ 430,000 |
| Star Turn | 3 | $206,667 | $ 620,000 |
Top vendors by aggregate
| Riversley Park Ltd | 21 | 14 | $ 3,105,000 | $ 221,786 |
| Kiltannon Stables Ltd | 13 | 9 | $ 2,090,000 | $ 232,222 |
| KB Bloodstock | 12 | 6 | $ 1,540,000 | $ 256,667 |
| Ohukia Lodge | 13 | 6 | $ 1,285,000 | $ 214,167 |
| Prima Park | 13 | 8 | $ 1,215,000 | $ 151,875 |
| Kilgravin Lodge | 19 | 9 | $ 1,190,000 | $ 132,222 |
| BMD Bloodstock | 7 | 6 | $ 1,155,000 | $ 192,500 |
| Riverrock Farm | 12 | 5 | $ 980,000 | $ 196,000 |
| Regal Farm | 8 | 5 | $ 710,000 | $ 142,000 |
| Curraghmore | 5 | 3 | $ 575,000 | $ 191,667 |
Top vendors by average
| KB Bloodstock | 12 | 6 | 1,540,000 | 256,667 |
| Landsdowne Park Ltd | 7 | 2 | 465,000 | 232,500 |
| Kiltannon Stables Ltd | 13 | 9 | 2,090,000 | 232,222 |
| Riversley Park Ltd | 21 | 14 | 3,105,000 | 221,786 |
| Ohukia Lodge | 13 | 6 | 1,285,000 | 214,167 |
| Riverrock Farm | 12 | 5 | 980,000 | 196,000 |
| BMD Bloodstock | 7 | 6 | 1,155,000 | 192,500 |
| Curraghmore | 5 | 3 | 575,000 | 191,667 |
| Apex Bloodstock | 5 | 2 | 360,000 | 180,000 |
| Prima Park | 13 | 8 | 1,215,000 | 151,875 |
