3 minute read

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."

"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."

The purchasing trio of Andrew Forsman, Andrew Williams and Bevan Smith once again made their presence felt at Karaka, after knocking down Lot 97, a Savabeel filly out of Makfi mare Chiaretta (NZ).

The partnership bought the filly from Elsdon Park's Book 1 draft. She was bred by Lib Petagna, who offered his first crop of yearlings under his own banner at Karaka 2023.

Petagna also bred current stakes winner Ethereal Star (Snitzel), whom the trio purchased at Karaka 2022 for $600,000. Trainer Andrew Forsman has had plenty of success with the filly, after her Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m) victory and second placing in the $1m DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) last week.

"It's funny how it's all worked out," commented Andrew Forsman. 

"We didn't want to pay $600k for her but there was strong competition. She was a beautiful filly and we thought she was the standout of the Sale, so we were very determined to get her.

"I think this filly will get up and running early and probably give herself a chance to make the Karaka Million next year," he said.

Chris Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock secured two fillies, both for a hefty $450,000 price tag and both purchased from Gordon Cunningham at Currahgmore.

Lot 189 is a Vadamos filly out of More Than Ready mare Floramour, while Lot 196 was a Pierro filly out of Group Two winner Forever Loved (NZ) (High Chaparral).

Waikato Stud-based first season sire, Super Seth, had a strong start at Karaka 2023. The exciting stallion prospect averaged $220,000 for eight lots sold, including a top price of $380,000.

Australian trainer John O'Shea was a fan of Super Seth's progeny, purchasing two colts by the freshman stallion for $260,000 (Lot 123) and $160,000 (Lot 207) respectively. 

"I have to give a massive wrap on Super Seth as a sire. We think his progeny have a lot more substance than even his sire in Dundeel and it's going to be a nice opportunity to train one."

"To have two colts of that quality in our yard is tremendous," O'Shea said.

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.

Selling continues on Day Two of Book 1 tomorrow where a further 220 lots will go through the ring from 11AM (NZT) at Karaka.

Catch the highlights and Lot-by-Lot footage from Day One online.

View the full of Book 1 Day One results here.