Fastnet Filly Tops Day Two

Strong demand for quality lots concluded Day Two of Book 1 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 96th National Yearling Sales Series.

The second day of trading at Karaka 2022 saw a further 220 yearlings catalogued. The aggregate increased 19% on last year’s combined Book 1 results at the end of Day Two, while the average was up 17%, an increase to $146,415.

Distinguished breeder Gordon Cunningham of Curraghmore was responsible for providing the highest price of Day Two with Lot 410, a full sister to Group One-winning racemare Unforgotten (NZ). The daughter of Fastnet Rock out of Galileo mare Memories of You (IRE) was the only progeny by the proven sire catalogued at Karaka 2022, and proved popular amongst buyers in the ring.

The exciting racing and breeding prospect was knocked down to Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for a hefty price tag of $850,000 and will join the champion stable in Ellis’ top-level fillies syndicate.

“I’ve been coming and buying here since 1988 and definitely, in the last five to ten years, I haven’t seen a filly of more quality, or more athletic, and we were just determined to buy her at any cost,” commented Ellis.

“She’s got a lot of pedigree updates to come and we’ve trained the full sister. We’ve observed this family for a long time and we’ve had a fair bit of success with the Fastnet Rocks.

“Nobody does a better job than Gordon Cunningham, he’s a big supporter of Te Akau Racing and just an absolute champion guy,” he said.

To date, Ellis has purchased 26 Lots for a total spend of $6,365,000 and averaging $244,808, maintaining his position at the top of the leading buyer by aggregate table.

Popular syndicators Go Racing have the second highest tally having purchased ten yearlings for a total aggregate of $1,625,000, including a top price of $470,000.

Bloodstock agent Bruce Perry managed to secure the second highlight of Day Two, purchasing Lot 333 for $675,000 from the draft of Cambridge Stud. The colt by emerging sire Almanzor, out of Showcasing mare It’s Our Showtime (NZ), is a close relation to current Group-winning Inspirational Girl (NZ) (Reliable Man).

There has been substantial demand for first season sires at Karaka 2022, after a son of first season sire US Navy Flag (Lot 303) fetched $340,000 when he sold to 2022 Group One New Zealand Derby-winning team Wexford Stables.

The colt is out of Fastnet Rock mare Honfleur (NZ) and was offered by Valachi Downs, where the stallion stood for the first two years of his stud career before moving to The Oaks Stud where he currently resides.

Valachi’s General Manager, Gareth Downey, was thrilled with the result.

“Due to our change in business direction he no longer stands at Valachi, he now stands at The Oaks, and we were delighted that The Oaks picked up the baton and carried on with him because it is important for New Zealand to continue having access to sires like this guy.”

Other freshmen to debut their first crops at Karaka 2022 include Novara Park’s Staphanos, with his three progeny selling for an average spend of $168,333. While five progeny by Australian-based Justify have sold for an average of $163,000.

Rich Hill Stud’s Ace High has seen six yearlings purchased for an average of $108,333, while 13 of U S Navy Flag’s progeny have sold for an average spend of $101,923.

Waikato Stud remains at the top of the leading vendor by aggregate table, selling 27 yearlings for a total turnover of $4,785,000. Following closely behind are Cambridge Stud, who have sold 24 yearlings for an aggregate of $4,045,000.

Milan Park leads the vendor by average table, with buyers purchasing seven yearlings for an average spend of $230,714, and Trelawney Stud sit just behind having sold seven yearlings for an average of $222,143.