Written by Kit Gow
Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
New Zealand Bloodstock has unveiled their 2026 National Weanling Sale catalogue ahead of the one-day sale taking place on June 25 at Karaka. A total of 140 weanlings have been catalogued by 19 vendors, representing the progeny of 41 stallions from both sides of the Tasman.
The 2025 edition of the sale saw a rebound in buying activity from 2024, with clearance rising back above 70% and a top price of NZ$190,000 for a colt by leading New Zealand sire Per Incanto (USA), purchased by Newgate Farm’s Jim Carey. The colt realised $380,000 when sold at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale this year, selling to James Bester Bloodstock, Eric Lucas, Clinton McDonald Racing, and Shane McGrath Bloodstock.
| Aggregate | $2,410,000 | $2,485,000 | $2,609,100 | $3,486,000 | $1,820,000 |
| Average | $28,690 | $32,273 | $23,089 | $33,200 | $22,195 |
| Median | $15,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 | $16,000 | $11,000 |
| Catalogued | 144 | 150 | 183 | 132 | 120 |
| Withdrawn | 29 | 17 | 22 | 12 | 20 |
| Offered | 115 | 133 | 161 | 120 | 100 |
| Sold | 84 | 77 | 113 | 105 | 82 |
| Passed In | 31 | 56 | 48 | 15 | 18 |
| Clearance | 73% | 58% | 70% | 88% | 82% |
Table: Key metrics from the last five editions of the NZB National Weanling Sale, in NZD
“The catalogue features the same commercial quality you would expect at the National Yearling Sale, which provides a fantastic opportunity for pinhookers and investors,” said NZB Bloodstock Sales manager Kane Jones.
Kane Jones | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
The catalogue has been a happy hunting ground in the past, both for pinhookers and end users, with notable graduates including Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos {Jpn}), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante), Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), Jedibeel (NZ) (Staphanos {Jpn}), Pivotal Ten (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), and Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel).
Haunui Farm will bring the biggest draft to the 2026 sale with 17 weanlings, including the progeny of two first season sires.
| Haunui Farm | 17 |
| Westbury Stud | 15 |
| Hallmark Stud | 13 |
| Waikato Stud | 12 |
| Cambridge Stud | 11 |
Table: Top five vendors by draft size in the 2026 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale
“There are a number of high-profile sires featured which is a huge drawcard, as well as a first glimpse of progeny by first season sires Chaldean, Hilal, Mr Mozart, and Paddington,” Jones said. “We’ve been supported by a number of leading vendors and top New Zealand breeders, with a rare chance to buy into Karaka-quality weanlings.”
It is a tie for the most represented stallion in the catalogue, with highly desirable sires Super Seth, Sword Of State, and Almanzor (Fr) tying for the top spot with 11 weanlings each, followed by Hello Youmzain (Fr) with 10 in the catalogue. Super Seth’s relocation to Coolmore Stud for the 2026 season means that the sale offers a valuable opportunity to purchase offspring from his penultimate New Zealand crop.
Gallery: Some of the most represented stallions in the New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale
| Almanzor | 11 |
| Super Seth | 11 |
| Sword Of State | 11 |
| Hello Youmzain | 10 |
| Ardrossan | 9 |
Table: Top five most represented sires in the 2026 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale
From the four first season sires whose progeny will be available in the sale, Highview Stud’s Mr Mozart, a multiple Group-winning son of Snitzel, will be the most represented, having six weanlings in the catalogue.
Chart: First season sires by number in the 2026 New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale catalogue
All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s Karaka Millions Series, featuring the R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO and the R. Listed Karaka Millions 3YO.
The catalogue is now available to view online at nzb.co.nz, with physical copies to be mailed out within the coming days.
