Karaka Day 1 Delight

NZ Bloodstock reports:

Day One of Karaka 2023 saw a long-awaited return to normal selling for New Zealand Bloodstock, who welcomed back international buyers to the sale ring for the first time since 2020.

Also felt was the presence of the domestic buying bench, with fierce competition on quality lots seeing out the first day of trading in the newly unveiled Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium.

Fillies with blueblood pedigrees were in high demand during the first day of trading, accounting for three of the top five purchases, while the middle market contributed to a healthy rise in key sale indicators.

NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was encouraged by the results.

“It was great to see the fillies averaging more than the colts today. This is the first time I can ever remember that happening which is very encouraging.”

“Probably the most heartening statistic to emerge from a sale point of view was the median, which increased from $110,000 in 2022, to $150,000. This is a fantastic result and gives you an idea of how strong the middle market has been,” he said.

The highlight of the day was purchased by Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis, who secured Lot 59, a Savabeel colt out of Bayrock (Fastnet Rock) for $625,000.

“We thought this colt was one of the best Savabeels we have seen here at Karaka.”

Te Akau Racing Principal David Ellis said:

“He is a beautiful colt out of a Fastnet Rock mare, who is out of a Snippets mare, who is out of a Last Tycoon mare, so he has a stallion-worthy pedigree.

“He is a full brother to a very good filly in Australia and was on our must-buy list, so we're excited to take him back to Te Akau Racing,” Ellis said.

Rodney Schick, Studmaster of Windsor Park Stud, offered the colt in his Book 1 draft.

“We are really happy with the price, he was a beautiful colt who deserved that,” Schick said.

“He is going to a very good home with David Ellis purchasing him. Mark Walker is flying, so let's hope he can go on and do the job for them.”