In an exciting move, the date for the NZB National Weanling Sale (thoroughbred) and NZB Standardbred National Weanling Sale (standardbred) has been finalised, with both weanling sessions selling on Thursday 26 June 2025 at Karaka.
The joint sale date will see the thoroughbred session get underway in the morning, with the standardbred weanlings selling later that afternoon.
“Both industries are in great shape at the moment, and the positivity from stakes increases and new initiatives across both codes is encouraging. It’s certainly given domestic buyers more confidence which was seen with the Kiwi spend up at both respective yearling sales recently,” commented NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.
“Since we have taken over selling standardbreds, we have seen more and more people involved across both industries, essentially cross-coding more. While the sales are still separate, there will be a bigger attendance and atmosphere on the grounds.
“Both thoroughbred and standardbred vendors have been positive about holding the weanling sales on the same date. From a logistical and operational perspective, it just makes sense to hold both sales on the same day at Karaka.”
All thoroughbred weanlings purchased are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, consisting of the 2027 $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the 2028 $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series with $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races each season.
While all standardbred weanlings purchased are eligible for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one million dollar prizepool.
For more information about the NZB National Weanling Sale, contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on kane.jones@nzb.co.nz or call +64 27 274 4985.
For more information about the National Standardbred Weanling Sale, contact NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray on cam.bray@nzb.co.nz or call +64 21 737 199.
Entries for both sales will open on their respective portals in late February.
SALE SCHEDULE:
NZB National Weanling Sale: Thursday 26 June (am) at Karaka.
NZB Standardbred National Weanling Sale: Thursday 26 June (pm) at Karaka.
