3 minute read

A buoyant day of selling concluded Day Two of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 2 Sale, with the clearance rate lifting significantly off the back of the opening session.

International flavour was present in the Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium yet again, with Hong Kong responsible for purchasing four of the top five lots.

NZB Bloodstock Executive Kane Jones was heartened by the lifting of key sale indicators at the end of Day Two.

"There was a positive vibe in the auction ring throughout selling today, right from the first lot walking in the ring."

"The feedback we were receiving from buyers today was that there was strong competition for quality lots, which made for spirited bidding.

"We saw our Day Two clearance rate climb to the 77 percent threshold and expect the overall rate to increase as our team works hard to negotiate post-selling," Jones said. 

The highlight of the day came after Australian agent John Foote purchased Lot 922 for $140,000, a colt by Sweynesse out of Oscar's Shadow (Dane Shadow) from Kilgravin Lodge.

Foote, who secured three lots today, made the purchase on behalf of Hong Kong-based trainer David Hall.

"Sweynesse is a very popular sire in Hong Kong at the moment and this colt was a very good-looking horse."

"I bought him for David Hall who is based in Hong Kong and seems to be making a habit of topping sales lately.

"He really looked the part and had a nice presence about him. That was about our limit and we were happy to get him," Foote said.

Established vendor Eion Kemp of Kilgravin Lodge commented on the result of Lot 922.

"I went down to see John Foote to congratulate him on his purchase."

"It was a great result for some loyal clients. Pat Lowry has supported us well over the years, so we are thrilled for him."

"He was a nice, strong colt and he fitted the bill well for a horse destined for Hong Kong.

"He was very popular amongst the traders and pinhookers who were looking at him.

"We have had some good results today and the nice horses have sold well," Kemp said.

Domestic buyers were back in action on Day Two, with the likes of Bruce and Maureen Harvey of Ascot Farms, Bruce Perry, Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott, Lisa Latta and Graham Richardson all present in the sale ring.

The second highlight of the day came from Bruce Harvey of Ascot Farm. He secured Lot 823, a Redwood colt out of Katespur (Flying Spur) for $135,000 from Westbury Stud's draft. 

To enquire about Passed Lots contact Regan Donnison on +64 21 512 466 or email regan.donnison@nzb.co.nz or Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz.

The final session of Book 2 commences tomorrow at 11AM.

Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Book 2 Day Two online.

View the full results of Book 2 Day Two here.