New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2023 Ready to Run Sale saw an incredible Day One of selling that defied market conditions and expectations, with a record-breaking aggregate and not one, but two lots making history.
At the close of selling, the aggregate reached a record $16.1 million, up by $4.7 million (42%) on the previous year. Key record statistics continued to tumble with the average reaching $159,421 and a top price of $800,000.
International presence was a key factor in the results, creating tough competition for quality lots, with Hong Kong buyers responsible for $6.55 million in purchases and Australian buyers just as active, spending a total of $4.63 million.
Leading bloodstock agent Andrew Williams co-purchased two of the record-breaking top lots of the day, securing Lot 143 alongside Paul Chow’s Tartan Meadow Bloodstock, a Harry Angel colt out of Monrecour for $800,000 from Kilgravin Lodge’s draft.
In association with UK-based Blandford Bloodstock, Williams also purchased Lot 45, a striking son of Written Tycoon out of Fromparis Withlove, for $725,000 also from the Kilgravin Lodge draft.
“It sounded like the training barns at Sha Tin were empty and they were all on the complex at Karaka, which is great not just for the New Zealand industry but the industry in general,” commented Williams from afar as he awaits the arrival of his first child.
“The buying bench is very strong, and tomorrow afternoon looks like a red-hot sale coming up too.
“We tried to get in today because we know what is going to happen tomorrow.”
An emotional Eion Kemp from Kilgravin Lodge was awestruck by the results from the day, selling two record-breaking lots.
“I knew they were popular, but I wasn’t expecting that,” commented Kemp.
“We’ve had an incredible day, it’s a testament to my staff and the draft we brought.
“A lot of this is because of the agents that help me out, Johnny McKeever and Bryce Tankard play a big part,” he added.
Of the 11 lots that secured $400,000 or more on a fast-paced day, Auckland-based N & P Balia Family Trust secured Lot 107, a colt by I am Invincible out of Lope de Lope for $580,000 from Ohukia Lodge.
Lot 114, a Capitalist x Madame Veuve colt also on account of Ohukia Lodge was knocked down to Mr Wing Keung So for $550,000.
The much-anticipated half-brother to Lucky Sweynesse in Lot 116 (Contributer x Madonna Mia) from Woburn Farm’s draft, was purchased by Richard Laming and John White Bloodstock for $550,000.
Regarding the final price tag as ‘good value’, the colt will head to Australia to race for Laming before the potential move to Hong Kong.
“I did think we’d be up against someone like that [Manfred Man], and I thought they’d have a few more bullets to fire, so it’s very good to secure him for that price,” Laming commented.
“He’s a standout himself, we’ll take him home to Australia and if he wins a race or two, I’m sure the Hong Kong buyers will come,” he added.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook blown away with today’s outcome.
“Today has been an extraordinary day of selling to say the least.”
“Just to illustrate the success of today, the average achieved has exceeded that of Book One from Karaka earlier this year.
“It is a credit to the vendors, who consistently produce quality two-year-olds year in and year out, that then go on to perform on racetracks around the world as the ultimate flagbearers for the Sale,” he added.
“The depth and breadth of the buying bench is also a credit to our team here who have worked tirelessly to ensure we assembled a powerful buying bench.
“I don’t think in my time I’ve seen more international buyers present at a Ready to Run Sale, it has far exceeded expectations.”
Selling on Day Two commences at 11AM (NZT) on Thursday 17 November, with sale broadcast coverage beginning from 10:30AM (NZT).
The sale will continue to be streamed on Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand, plus the usual feed to NZB’s website and Facebook page.
To make enquiries about any Passed Lots contact Patrick Cunningham on +64 21 181 5898 or email Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz, or Andrew Buick on +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz.
Catch all the Ready to Run Sale highlights on NZB’s Sale TV channel here.
2023 Ready to Run Sale Statistics – Day One (at end of selling)
| 2023 Ready to Run Sale – Day One | 2022 Ready to Run Sale – Day One | 2021 Ready to Run Sale – Day One (Virtual) | 2020 Ready to Run Sale – Day One | |
| Aggregate | $16,101,500 | $11,329,500 | $10,344,000 | $7,615,500 |
| Average | $159,421 | $124,500 | $129,300 | $92,872 |
| Median | $100,000 | $80,000 | $100,000 | $51,250 |
| Clearance | 67% | 65% | 65% | 69% |
| Catalogued | 190 | 170 | 160 | 160 |
| Offered | 151 | 139 | 124 | 119 |
| Sold | 101 | 91 | 80 | 82 |
| Top Lot | Lot 143 $800,000 Harry Angel – Monrecour (B.C) | Lot 166 $575,000 Savabeel – Maxmara (Br.C) | Lot 107 $640,000 Savabeel – Etiquette (Br.C) | Lot 54 $525,000 Sacred Falls – Savabeel Star (Br.C) |
2023 Ready to Run Sale – Top Lots Day One
| Lot | Sire | Dam | Sex | Vendor | Purchaser | Price |
| 143 | Harry Angel | Monrecour | Colt | Kilgravin Lodge | Tartan Meadow Bloodstock/Andrew Williams Bloodstock (Hong Kong) | $ 800,000 |
| 45 | Written Tycoon | Fromparis Withlove | Colt | Kilgravin Lodge | Blandford Bloodstock / Andrew Williams Bloodstock (UK) | $ 725,000 |
| 107 | I Am Invincible | Lope de Lope | Colt | Ohukia Lodge | N & P Balia Family Trust (Auckland) | $ 580,000 |
| 114 | Capitalist | Madame Veuve | Colt | Ohukia Lodge | Mr. Wing Keung So (Hong Kong) | $ 550,000 |
| 116 | Contributer | Madonna Mia | Colt | Woburn Farm | Laming Racing & John White Bloodstock (Queensland) | $ 550,000 |
| 175 | Super Seth | Perfect Fit | Filly | Lilywhites Lodge | Shailer Racing Pty Ltd/Hughes Bloodstock (Queensland) | $ 525,000 |
| 106 | Zoustar | Lombardia | Colt | Phoenix Park | Waikato Bloodstock (Waikato) | $ 500,000 |
| 146 | Hellbent | My Dear Friend | Gelding | Kilgravin Lodge | Mark Newnham Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Hong Kong) | $ 425,000 |
| 1 | El Roca | Daly River | Colt | Westbury Stud | HY Investments (Auckland) | $ 400,000 |
| 80 | Savabeel | Joyous Thunder | Colt | Kiltannon Stables Ltd | Busuttin Racing Pty Ltd / Group One Bloodstock (Victoria) | $ 400,000 |
| 190 | Zoustar | Princess of Queens | Gelding | Riversley Park Ltd | Jamie Richards Racing / Andrew Williams Bloodstock (Hong Kong) | $ 400,000 |