Te Akau's David Ellis Leading Buyer - 15 Years

New Zealand Bloodstock/NZ Racing News reports:

After a solid finish to New Zealand Bloodstock's 94th National Yearling Sales Series, the key critical indicators were up on last year's Sale, which reflected a strong market.

The turnover reached $67,130,000, representing an average of $138,698 for 484 horses sold. The median closed at $107,500, with the clearance rate climbing to 79%.

The increased Australian spend was up by a total of $4.8 million on last year's Sale.

NZB's Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was pleased with the competition carried throughout Book 1. 

“It was very encouraging to see the number of international and domestic buyers present over the past few days.

“The aggregate spend is on par with last year's Sale, with 21 less horses catalogued.

“We had a strong middle market generated by the Australian's. We put a lot of effort into getting them here, so it's great to see the vendors rewarded so well,” said Seabrook.

King of the ring David Ellis landed the leading buyer title for the 15th consecutive year, spending a total of $6,500,000 for 28 horses purchased.

His top purchases include Lot 454, an $875,000 Savabeel colt out of Bayrock bought from the draft of Windsor Park Stud and an $800,000 colt, Lot 79 (Savabeel x Magic Dancer) secured from Waikato Stud. He also bought an I Am Invincible colt out of Sancerre for $675,000 from the draft of Trelawney Stud.

The Te Akau Racing Principal reflected on the success he had throughout Book 1 of Karaka 2020. 

“There is a lot of quality here and we have had so much interest from our owners to buy them… that I just kept buying them.

“I think Book 1 has been very successful, there is no doubt about that. New Zealand Bloodstock can take a big bow.  

“It's an honour to be a part of a great company and the New Zealand industry,” said Ellis.

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