Month: January 2023

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…

In honour of the late Sir Patrick Hogan, NZB Principal Sir Peter Vela paid tribute to Hogan and his profound influence on the thoroughbred industry, immediately prior to the opening of its Karaka 2023 National Yearling Sales Series on 29 January. In recognition of Hogan’s immense contribution and success, Sir Peter Vela announced the naming of the famed Karaka auction ring the Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium. “In my lifetime there has been no greater influence on the New Zealand breeding industry than Sir Patrick,” commented Sir Peter Vela. “A legendary…

The progeny of promising young Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan were keenly sought after on the opening day of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale. With three lots by the sire going under the hammer on the first day of the Book 1 Sale, Bryce Tankard went to $260,000 to secure a colt from the Sebring mare Dolce Amore, while he also had a colt sell for $190,000 and a filly fetch $50,000. Tankard, who operates under Waikato Bloodstock, confirmed the colt who was purchased from the Elsdon Park draft…

Te Akau principal David Ellis didn’t let the torrential rain at Karaka on Sunday dampen his spirits as he was once again active in the newly named Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium. “We have never seen rain like this before at the sale,” Ellis said. “It is just getting heavier and heavier. I am a farmer so I like the rain in January, you just can’t beat it. New Zealand is one big farm and we do it well.” The leading buyer warmed up with a couple of early purchases on…

New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale has made quite the impression on Queensland visitors Brian and Peggy Flannery. “It’s our first time here. It is a lovely set-up, and I am glad we came,” Brian Flannery said. The couple have ventured across the Tasman in search of their next star, having already enjoyed success with Manzoice in last year’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m). They called upon the expertise of bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster to select the son of Almanzor as a yearling and have once again utilised his services at…

Newly established farm Elsdon Park are starting off as they mean to continue at Karaka. The Matamata farm featured prominently on the opening day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 1 Yearling Sale when selling lot 97, the Savabeel filly out of Makfi mare Chiaretta, to trainer Andrew Forsman, and bloodstock agents Andrew Williams and Bevan Smith. Elsdon Park principals Lib and Katrina Petagna formed their new breeding operation last year after purchasing the former Valachi Downs property off Kevin and Jo Hickman, and they were pleased to get such a…

A half-brother to multiple Group One winner Mo’unga will remain in New Zealand after his purchase by Stephen Marsh at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Book 1 Sale on Sunday. The Cambridge trainer went to $380,000 to secure lot 91, the Super Seth colt, out of Waikato Stud’s draft, and he is hoping he can live up to his pedigree. Standing alongside American bloodstock agents Mike McMahon and Jamie Hill, in addition to Ken Smole and local agent Dylan Johnson, Marsh and his clients saw off keen interest for the colt. “We…