Domestic Stallions to the Fore on Day One of Book 2

After a buoyant Book 1 Sale, selling continued steadily on Day One of Book 2 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka 2022 National Yearling Sales Series.

Domestic trainers were active in the sale ring with strong demand for New Zealand’s quality line up of emerging sires, who accounted for six of the top 10 highest purchases on Day One of Book 2.

The day’s highlight came when Roger James and Robert Wellwood of Kingsclere Stables secured Lot 756 for $180,000, a colt by exciting stallion prospect Vadamos, sire of recent Group One New Zealand Derby runner-up La Crique (NZ).

After making several significant purchases in Book 1, the duo turned their attention to the colt, offered by Haunui Farm, out of Goldmine mare Call Me Blondie (NZ).

“We’re still pinching ourselves that we managed to get the horses we purchased in Book 1,” said Robert Wellwood of Kingsclere Stables.

“This colt happened to be the one horse we wanted in Book 2 and we’re thrilled to get him, you’ve got to be pretty happy walking away from the sales with all the horses you want.

“Vadamos is doing a really good job at the moment as a sire. We thought he was one of the better Vadamos’ throughout the entire Sale on type and he’s just a lovely athletic horse.”

Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson, who stands the stallion at his Matamata-based thoroughbred nursery, commented on the demand for Vadamos.

“It’s great to see he had two of the top five prices today, including the leading lot.”

“The people that are buying yearlings by Vadamos are all good judges who have progeny by him performing in their stables. It’s great to see that they are happy with what they have because they have come back and bought more.

“Vadamos is by Monsun and we all know they come to Australasia and like the firm turf tracks, not to mention getting better with age, which is encouraging for the stallion’s future,” he said.  

A colt by War Decree was next on the list of highlights during the opening session of Book 2, with Regal Farm, Legend Bloodstock and Upper Bloodstock purchasing Lot 686 for $150,000.

The colt, now destined for Hong Kong, is out of Savabeel mare Word Savvy (NZ), offered by Ralph Thoroughbreds. 

Gus Wigley of Inglewood Stud, where War Decree is the resident sire, was pleased to see demand for the stallion’s progeny.

“It’s a great start to the Sale to see a colt purchased for $150,000. He’s got a good reputation out there and there has been some great feedback from buyers on the sale ground.

“He has only had five runners, with four either winning or placing, including a Group Three placegetter, so he is off to a really good start,” Wigley said.

Time Test, who stands at Little Avondale Stud was responsible for the third highest price on Day One of Book 2. Time Test has already found Group-winning success in his Northern Hemisphere crops, as well as a stakes performing 2022 Karaka Million placed Times Flies (NZ) in the Southern Hemisphere.

The colt out of You Little Ripa (NZ) was offered by HGT Bloodstock, (Lot 690) selling for $110,000 to Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables.

Selling continues on Day Two of Book 2 tomorrow, where lots 801 to 960 will go through the ring from 11AM (NZT).

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.

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

View the full Book 2 Day One results here.

The remainder of Book 2 will be available to view on Freeview Channel 200, as well as streamed live on NZB’s website, online bidding platform and on NZB’s Facebook page.

Karaka 2022 Book 2 Day One Statistics