Cover image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
At A Glance
The Day 1 aggregate of NZ$30,725,5000 is a record for New Zealand Bloodstock, and is far superior to last year (NZ$22,420,000). This year, 215 yearlings were catalogued, whereas in 2023 it was 192. The aggregate in 2022 was NZ$20,042,500.
Sunday’s average (NZ$195,704) is significantly better than the previous two years (NZ$160,143 in 2023, NZ$159,067 in 2022).
The median finished at a healthy NZ$150,000, which is slightly up on last year (NZ$147,500) and much better than 2022 (NZ$125,000).
At the conclusion of Sunday’s trade, the clearance rate for 155 lots sold sat at 73 per cent, which is the same as 12 months ago and up on 2022 (69 per cent).
Moody Racing won a spirited bidding war for the Day 1 sale-topper, going to NZ$1.6 million for Lot 21 - a Proisir filly out of Donna Marie, which was consigned by Hallmark Stud.
The top-selling colt made NZ$725,000. Consigned by Elsdon Park as Lot 55, he is by Zoustar from Evalina.
Te Akau’s David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) was the leading buyer by aggregate on Day 1, spending NZ$3.4 million on 14 yearlings at an average of NZ$242,900.
The leading buyer by average (three or more) was Chris Waller/Guy Mulcaster; they averaged NZ$460,900 on six yearlings.
The leading vendor by aggregate was Waikato Stud. It sold 21 lots for a gross of NZ$3,445,000 at an average of NZ$164,000.
The leading sire by aggregate is Savabeel, he had 16 yearlings make NZ$3,975,000, while the leading sire by average (three or more sold) is Proisir, with seven yearlings averaging NZ$441,428.
#1. Donna Marie delivers landmark result for Hallmark Stud
The NZ$20,000 Hallmark Stud paid for Donna Marie (NZ) (Don Eduardo {NZ}), who was winless in eight starts in New Zealand, at the 2014 NZB National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale is proving to be money extremely well spent.
The mare’s fourth foal is Prowess (NZ) (Proisir), and after Hallmark Stud sold her to trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood of Kingsclere Stables for $230,000 at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1), she has gone on to win two Group 1s, amassing NZ$1,620,400 in earnings.
Donna Marie’s sixth foal was the star of the show on Day 1 of the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1), fetching a sale-best NZ$1.6 million - a record price for a filly at this sale, surpassing the NZ$1,450,000 that Gooree Stud paid for the subsequent Group 1 victress Shower Of Roses (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) from the Cambridge Stud draft in 2001.
Consigned by Hallmark Stud as Lot 21, the Proisir filly is a sister to Prowess and was knocked down to Moody Racing.
Lot 21 - Proisir x Donna Marie (NZ) (filly) was purchased by Moody Racing for NZ$1,600,000 from Hallmark Stud | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Hallmark Stud’s Mark Baker was understandably ecstatic post-sale.
“It has exceeded our expectations totally,” Baker said.
“We’ve never sold a million-dollar yearling in our lives. I’ve dreamt of that.
“To get to seven figures is one thing, but to reach NZ$1.6 million is quite surreal.
“To get to seven figures is one thing, but to reach NZ$1.6 million is quite surreal.” - Mark Baker
“Someone will wake me up soon.”
Baker, the son of breeding legend Denny Baker, shared an emotional embrace with wife Vicki and daughter Maddy.
Mark Baker | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“This result is enormous, what do you say? It would be massive to a big farm,” Baker explained.
“For a mare we bought for NZ$20,000 and off modest service fee, and we own a share in Proisir…
“It’s great for the mare, great for the stallion, great for the farm, I’m delighted for the staff.”
#2. Ellis rapt with industry initiatives
After spending NZ$1.75 million on seven yearlings on Day 1 12 months ago, Te Akau’s David Ellis signed for 14 horses during the opening session (including one in partnership with Fortuna Racing and one for Cambridge Stud).
Ellis’ total spend on Sunday was NZ$3.4 million at an average of NZ$242,900, and he explained that he was determined to get his hands on a number of good yearlings due to the recent initiatives within the New Zealand industry.
“We’ve bought 14 yearlings all together. We came here very bullish. We thought the quality was as good as it's been for many years, and we wanted to buy yearlings to win all these big new races that we have in New Zealand,” Ellis said.
David Ellis | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“It’s the most exciting time to be part of New Zealand racing, with what the New Zealand government’s doing, what Entain’s doing and what New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is doing.
“It’s the most exciting time to be part of New Zealand racing, with what the New Zealand government’s doing, what Entain’s doing and what New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is doing.” - David Ellis
“It’s a combination, they’re all working really well together, and it’s really exciting for somebody that’s been in the industry for a lifetime, I’ve waited for this to happen. It’s not just happening, it’s happening big time, and there’s more good news still to come.
“It’s just great to see everybody working together and to see prizemoney go to a level where owners get a serious return.
“It’s a very satisfying, happy time to be involved in this great industry.”
Lot 224 - I Am Invincible x Midnight Revels (NZ) (colt) was purchased by David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) for NZ$510,000 from Highline Thoroughbreds | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
The most expensive purchase for Ellis was Lot 224 - a colt by I Am Invincible from the unraced Don Eduardo (NZ) mare Midnight Revels (NZ), which makes him a half-brother to Seabrook (Hinchinbrook), herself a Group 1 winner at two. Offered by Highline Thoroughbreds, he realised NZ$510,000
“I bought him for Brendan and Jo Lindsay, they wanted me to buy them what I thought was the best colt in the sale. We selected him and we thought he was great buying for an I Am Invincible colt,” he said.
“I think most people would agree that's one stallion we can train the progeny of.
“I think he (Brendan) would like a nice I Am Invincible colt to stand at Cambridge Stud and we’ll certainly be supporting him.
“I think he (Brendan Lindsay) would like a nice I Am Invincible colt to stand at Cambridge Stud and we’ll certainly be supporting him.” - David Ellis
“He’s a very athletic colt, I thought that he’d be out and about at Christmas time, and could be a lovely Sires’ Produce colt, then make a really nice stallion at stud one day with his pedigree.”
Lot 174 - Zoustar x Lady Cartier (filly) was purchased by David Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) for NZ$400,000 from Kaha Nui Farm | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Ellis paid NZ$400,000 for Lot 174 - a Zoustar filly offered by Kaha Nui Farm. She is from the winning Fastnet Rock mare Lady Cartier.
He also purchased yearlings by Hello Youmzain (Fr), King’s Legacy, Savabeel, Proisir, Satono Aladdin (Jpn), Snitzel, Super Seth, El Roca and Shamus Award.
#3. Mulcaster and Waller make a splash
Kiwis Guy Mulcaster and Chris Waller were particularly active on Day 1, especially at the top end of the market. Mulcaster - a leading bloodstock agent, and the champion trainer Waller, went to at least NZ$500,000 on three occasions, with their overall spend coming in at NZ$2,765,000 (for six yearlings).
“It was a solid sort of day today although we take it step by step as we are type buyers rather than pedigree as we just want to buy the best horses with Karaka being very good to us,” Mulcaster said.
“It was a solid sort of day today (Sunday) although we take it step by step as we are type buyers rather than pedigree as we just want to buy the best horses with Karaka being very good to us.” - Guy Mulcaster
The pair stretched to NZ$900,000 for Lot 144 - a Satono Aladdin filly offered by Rich Hill Stud. She is out of the unraced O’Reilly (NZ) mare Inthespotlight (NZ) and is closely related to the stakes winners North Pacific, Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) and Missybeel (NZ) (Savabeel).
The filly is a sister to the Mike Moroney-trained Japanese Emperor (NZ), a Sandown-Lakeside maiden winner and Group 1 placegetter.
Lot 144 - Satono Aladdin (Jpn) x Inthespotlight (NZ) (filly) was purchased by Chris Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock (FBAA) for NZ$900,000 from Rich Hill Stud | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“We had a real good go at the sister to Prowess and making NZ$1.6million just stretched us too far, so we’re delighted to secure this filly,” he said.
“Her full brother (Japanese Emperor) is obviously a decent horse, his run in the Guineas was good and this filly looks a very good type and we are happy to have got her.”
Earlier, they paid Pencarrow Stud NZ$550,000 for Lot 62 - a Justify (USA) filly, while Lot 142 - a Wootton Bassett (GB) colt consigned by Haunui Farm - cost them NZ$500,000.
#4. Stunning start pleases NZB
All major metrics are up from the corresponding day 12 months ago, with the gross increasing by NZ$8,305,500 (there were 22 more lots offered in 2024).
The average skyrocketed by more than NZ$35,000 to NZ$195,704, the median increased marginally to NZ$150,000, while the clearance rate finished up at the close of trade at a respectable 73 per cent, which is on par with 2023.
Not surprisingly, Kane Jones, bloodstock sales manager of New Zealand Bloodstock, was delighted with the results from the opening day.
Kane Jones | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“We’re very pleased with Day 1. It was a very buoyant day of selling,” said Jones.
“To surpass NZ$30 million in one day was outstanding, and to have the average up significantly compared to last year and the median up slightly on last year is great. Plus, a clearance rate of 73 per cent and climbing is pleasing, knowing that we’re selling horses into the evening.
“To surpass NZ$30 million in one day was outstanding, and to have the average up significantly compared to last year and the median up slightly on last year is great.” - Kane Jones
“We know that racing’s certainly on an upswing at the moment and the industry is experiencing a lot of new initiatives and positivity, which is great, but that’s been offset by economic conditions which are a little bit tough at the moment for some people.
“We went into this sale thinking that if we could be similar to last year we would be really pleased, so to be up on last year is great.”
Jones echoed Ellis’ comments, saying the New Zealand industry is in rude health.
“The support of Entain when it comes to the New Zealand racing scene is incredible, and it’s just wonderful to see such harmony between Entain and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing,” Jones commented.
“The support of Entain when it comes to the New Zealand racing scene is incredible, and it’s just wonderful to see such harmony between Entain and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.” - Kane Jones
“There’s been a real buzz in the last week.”
Jones highlighted a number of positive results, for both sires and vendors.
“The Hallmark result even made me a little bit emotional, to see a horse like that sell for NZ$1.6 million, she was an absolute superstar, we knew that, and she had the pedigree to match, being a full sister to a Group 1 winner in Prowess. I couldn't be more thrilled for Mark and Vicki (Baker), they’re wonderful people.
Gallery: Popular sires at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale
“The usual suspects were high on the list again, but it’s great to see some emerging sires really well sought-after. Proisir, Super Seth, Satono Aladdin and Hello Youmzain all featured really prominently.”
“It’s great to see some emerging sires really well sought-after. Proisir, Super Seth, Satono Aladdin and Hello Youmzain all featured really prominently.” - Kane Jones
Jones admitted the Day 1 lineup was strong, but is confident the momentum can be maintained.
“There were a few highlight lots and that showed, but we certainly think it can be maintained. I don't know if we’ll see another NZ$1.6 million horse, but I think it can be maintained over the next two days especially.”
#5. Victorians lead the way
Of the 155 lots sold on Sunday, 35 were purchased by Victorian-based buyers. They spent NZ$6,835,000 at an average of NZ$195,300.
The Waikato region of New Zealand signed for 32 yearlings, spending NZ$5,335,000 at an average of NZ$166,700.
| 21 | Proisir | Donna Marie | Filly | Hallmark Stud | Moody Racing | $1,600,000 |
| 144 | Satono Aladdin | Inthespotlight | Filly | Rich Hill Stud | Chris Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock FBAA | $900,000 |
| 55 | Zoustar | Evalina | Colt | Elsdon Park | Jamie Richards and Andrew Williams Bloodstock FBAA | $725,000 |
| 146 | Super Seth | Irion | Colt | Pencarrow Stud | Patella Bloodstock | $700,000 |
| 210 | Kingman | Marsden Cross | Colt | Pencarrow Stud | Hong Kong Jockey Club | $650,000 |
| 62 | Justify | Fair Isle | Filly | Pencarrow Stud | Chris Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock | $550,000 |
| 224 | I Am Invincible | Midnight Revels | Colt | Highline Thoroughbreds | Mr DC Ellis CNZM BAFNZ | $510,000 |
| 142 | Wootton Bassett | Influencer | Colt | Haunui Farm | Chris Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock FBAA | $500,000 |
| 237 | Savabeel | Miss Opulence | Colt | Riversley Park Ltd | Group 1 Bloodstock Pty Ltd | $460,000 |
| 117 | Savabeel | Happily | Colt | Waikato Stud Ltd | Bruce Perry Bloodstock BAFNZ | $450,000 |
Table: Top 10 Lots on Day 1 of the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale
New South Wales clients bought 30 yearlings at a combined NZ$6,947,500 at an average of $231,600.
Hong Kong shoppers spent NZ$3,655,000 on 14 yearlings at an average of NZ$261,100.
“It has had a positive impact on buyer participation and the purchases we’ve seen. There’s been a number of new faces and a number of old, familiar faces returning to Karaka,” said Jones.
“The buying bench has been nice and diverse.”
Top buyers
| Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) | 13 | $253,462 | $510,000 | $3,295,000 |
| Chris Waller / Mulcaster Bloodstock | 6 | $460,833 | $900,000 | $2,765,000 |
| Moody Racing | 2 | $960,000 | $1,600,000 | $1,920,000 |
| Jamie Richards / Andrew Williams Bloodstock | 2 | $500,000 | $725,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Stephen Marsh Racing / Dylan Johnson Bloodstock | 3 | $308,333 | $425,000 | $925,000 |
| KPW Bloodstock | 4 | $222,500 | $300,000 | $890,000 |
| Proven Thoroughbreds / Pride Racing | 3 | $263,333 | $350,000 | $790,000 |
| Tartan Meadow Bloodstock | 3 | $238,333 | $250,000 | $715,000 |
| Mr RA James / Mr R Wellwood | 3 | $236,667 | $360,000 | $710,000 |
| Patella Bloodstock | 1 | $700,000 | $700,000 | $700,000 |
Vendors by aggregate
| Waikato Stud Ltd | 22 | $159,773 | $450,000 | $3,515,000 |
| Pencarrow Stud | 9 | $332,778 | $700,000 | $2,995,000 |
| Riversley Park Ltd | 10 | $221,500 | $460,000 | $2,215,000 |
| Hallmark Stud | 4 | $520,000 | $1,600,000 | $2,080,000 |
| Rich Hill Stud | 7 | $292,857 | $900,000 | $2,050,000 |
| Haunui Farm | 9 | $199,444 | $500,000 | $1,795,000 |
| Elsdon Park | 4 | $401,250 | $725,000 | $1,605,000 |
| Trelawney Stud Ltd | 6 | $263,333 | $400,000 | $1,580,000 |
| Carlaw Park | 8 | $193,750 | $320,000 | $1,550,000 |
| Windsor Park Stud | 9 | $124,444 | $250,000 | $1,120,000 |
Vendors by average (3 or more sold)
| Hallmark Stud | 4 | $520,000 | $1,600,000 | $2,080,000 |
| Elsdon Park | 4 | $401,250 | $725,000 | $1,605,000 |
| Pencarrow Stud | 9 | $332,778 | $700,000 | $2,995,000 |
| Rich Hill Stud | 7 | $292,857 | $900,000 | $2,050,000 |
| Trelawney Stud Ltd | 6 | $263,333 | $400,000 | $1,580,000 |
| Milan Park | 3 | $238,333 | $425,000 | $715,000 |
| Riversley Park Ltd | 10 | $221,500 | $460,000 | $2,215,000 |
| Kaha Nui Farm | 3 | $220,000 | $400,000 | $660,000 |
| Beaufort Downs Ltd | 3 | $211,667 | $250,000 | $635,000 |
| Haunui Farm | 9 | $199,444 | $500,000 | $1,795,000 |
Sires by aggregate
| Savabeel | $3,975,000 | 16 | $248,438 |
| Proisir | $3,090,000 | 7 | $441,429 |
| Satono Aladdin | $1,875,000 | 6 | $312,500 |
| Hello Youmzain | $1,650,000 | 10 | $165,000 |
| Super Seth | $1,340,000 | 6 | $223,333 |
| Per Incanto | $1,260,000 | 8 | $157,500 |
| Ocean Park | $1,180,000 | 8 | $147,500 |
| Zoustar | $1,125,000 | 2 | $562,500 |
| Almanzor | $1,020,000 | 8 | $127,500 |
| Wootton Bassett | $1,000,000 | 3 | $333,333 |
Sires by average (2 or more sold)
| Zoustar | 2 | $562,500 | $1,125,000 |
| Proisir | 7 | $441,429 | $3,090,000 |
| Wootton Bassett | 3 | $333,333 | $1,000,000 |
| So You Think | 2 | $317,500 | $635,000 |
| Satono Aladdin | 6 | $312,500 | $1,875,000 |
| Snitzel | 2 | $300,000 | $600,000 |
| Savabeel | 16 | $248,438 | $3,975,000 |
| Super Seth | 6 | $223,333 | $1,340,000 |
| Pierro | 2 | $205,000 | $410,000 |
| Ace High | 3 | $203,333 | $610,000 |
