Cover image courtesy of Hallmark Stud
New Zealand racing is currently enjoying a period of positive growth and the general vibe across the board is extremely optimistic
The Entain influence
There is some great momentum building within the New Zealand racing industry and Mark Baker feels that “Much of the credit for this can be attributed to Entain, who have done an outstanding job in recent times.” Their efforts have set the foundation for a brighter future, and their work is certainly worthy of commendation.
Baker highlighted that one of the most exciting developments is the increased mainstream media coverage racing has received. Recent coverage of Saturday's big meeting has brought racing into the public eye in a way it hasn’t been before, and it’s clearly resonating with new audiences.
Baker explained “I’ve noticed a shift among some of my friends who, until recently, had little genuine interest in racing. With the growing exposure, they are now engaged and familiar with events like The Everest, and even involved in activities such as betting on the $10 million "Pick the Everest" competition, they know who I Wish I Win is and several have opened TAB accounts, which can only positively impact turnover, thereby benefiting the sport as a whole.”
Backing up this line of thinking, Cameron Rodger the Managing Director for Entain New Zealand recently tweeted on the back of positive turnover increases over the summer period that "Growth is fuelled by an increase in new customers wagering on the sport... Sustained efforts to boost engagement are essential to enhancing funding levels and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the racing industry."
Mark Baker | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
Market predictions
When asked for his thoughts on market predictions and how the sales might unfold, Baker responded, “If we go by the last three days, it’s a damn good start. We’ve been extremely busy. New Zealand Bloodstock has done a fantastic job of bringing the right people here, and we know there are still many more to come.”
He continued, “Looking at global trends, the market has been strong. Simply put, the nice horses will sell, and there will be high demand for these quality animals. The lower end of the market might face some challenges, but we will meet the market as needed.”
Hallmark Stud, a long-time successful vendor, had a career highlight at Karaka last year when they sold a Proisir filly out of Donna Marie (NZ) for $1.6 million to Moody Racing. This filly, now known as Seychelles (NZ), is a full sister to Prowess (NZ), a dual Group 1 winner. This remarkable sale is a testament to the continued success of Hallmark Stud's breeding and sales strategies.
Seychelles (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
When asked about whether his approach changes from year to year, Baker was quick to respond, “You’re mad if you don’t. If you don’t keep evolving, you’re actually going backwards.” He elaborated, “Even small things matter. This year, for instance, we’re using Thoroughworks instead of vendor cards. It’s all about moving with the times.”
Baker drew an interesting comparison, adding, “You didn’t see Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer stop using coaches and become complacent when they were at the top of their game. They kept striving to improve. The same mindset applies here – we must continue to evolve and strive to be the best we can.”
Lots to keep an eye out for
Hallmark Stud’s draft is shaping up to be a very good one, with a well-rounded group of horses that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. Baker commented, “It’s a very even bunch of horses; there’s something here for everyone. I can imagine that from this group, we’ll see 2-year-olds who will be strong contenders for the Karaka Million, as well as Autumn 3-year-olds who may come into their own over longer distances.”
Among the standout lots are several horses with notable pedigrees and attributes. Lot 564, a full sister to the talented Prowess, is a standout filly.
Prowess (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Baker also highlighted a lovely Capitalist filly for a client, a classy Wootton Bassett (GB) filly – a good Too Darn Hot (GB) filly who is a half-sister to Shamus (NZ), and a couple of really nice progeny by St Marks Basilica. “It’s a nice, even, well-rounded draft,” he said.
Good hopes at Ellerslie
Ahead of Ellerslie’s big night on Saturday, Baker is particularly excited about three graduates of Hallmark Stud who stand out as strong contenders.
One of them is Dealt With (NZ), who looks to be a great chance in the TAB Karaka Million 3YO. “From the day he was born, he was always a cracking foal,” said Baker. “He was straightforward throughout his preparation, and everything just went to plan. He sold for NZ$90,000 to Roger and Robert, and the good judges can always find them.”
Baker also recalls that Ace High hadn’t had many runners at the time but Dealt With really caught the eye. "He paraded well, stuck out, and sold well, even though his sire hadn’t had many runners by then, which probably worked against him,” Baker noted.
Dealt With (NZ) | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
We also chatted to Robert Wellwood the co-trainer and purchaser alongside Roger James about Dealt With. Wellwood remembers him as a yearling “We really liked Ace High as a sire, prior to buying him we were impressed with the few that had gone through our stable.”
“Dealt With impressed us, he was a lovely balanced horse with good scope and a nice balance between strength and athleticism and a beautiful walk.”
Another exciting graduate is Hello Romeo (NZ), who was purchased for NZ$150,000 by Lindsay Park Racing at last year’s Karaka sales. “He was a bit plain initially, but he has a powerful build,” said Baker. “When he came in for the prep, he was a pleasure to work with. He’s from the first crop of Hello Youmzain, and the good judges found him.”
Baker also spoke highly of Hello Youmzain (Fr), noting that his progeny are great to deal with: “They have good minds, they eat, sleep, and please you, and they’re really good movers.” While Baker admits that some of them can appear plain "but thats just a bit of the Danehill blood coming out.”
Hello Romeo has generated significant Australian interest, as the Hayes team have traveled over to New Zealand to compete in the juvenile feature.
Hello Romeo (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Finally, Baker spoke proudly of Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy {NZ}), who takes her place in the G1 Railway on Saturday. “Bonny Lass has been a fantastic horse for us,” said Baker. “She was born and bred on the farm for Sandy Moore and is the only mare since Melody Belle to win Group races at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The entire team at home loves following her; she’s a horse who always gives her best.”
With such a strong draft and a promising group of graduates, Hallmark Stud’s involvement in New Zealand racing continues to be a source of pride and success.
