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New Zealand Bloodstock has confirmed changes to the sales schedule at Karaka in January.

Book 3, the third and final session of the 94th National Yearling Sales Series, will now take place on the afternoon of Friday January 21 instead of Sunday February 2.

The new structure will see around 160 yearlings go under the hammer straight after the completion of the Book 2 Sale, rounding off the week of selling.

The decision made by NZB to bring Book 3 forward will result in a more compact week of selling that hopefully will see more buyers staying until the conclusion of Karaka 2020.

NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Danny Rolston says the change will be positive for both vendors and buyers.

"We're constantly looking for ways in which we can ensure we get the best possible buying bench at Karaka.

"Many of our international customers are telling us they want to view everything they can, but in the shortest possible time. Moving Book 3 selling to the Friday gives them the opportunity to inspect and buy horses that they may have missed in the old format.

"The other advantage is now Book 3 won't clash with the Matamata Racing Club meeting, which was never ideal."

As previously announced, the Book 1 Sale will also see subtle changes made for next year, commencing at the earlier time of 11am on Sunday 26 January, with completion on Tuesday evening. That is one day less than in previous years.

The Book 2 Sale will resume the following morning on Wednesday 29 January, a day earlier than usual and at a slightly later time in the day to accommodate for extra time spent inspecting yearlings.

This Sale will run through until mid-afternoon on Friday 31 January, before Book 3 kicks into action with an afternoon/early evening session.

The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held on the eve of the Book 1 Sale on Saturday 25 January.