3 minute read
Curtain comes down on a hugely successful Book 1 sale
When the curtain came down on the Karaka 2022 Book 1 sale on Wednesday evening, 430 yearlings had been traded for NZ$63,127,500. The aggregate was up 24 per cent on the 2021 figure, for four per cent more horses sold, while the average of NZ$146,808 was up 19 per cent from last year's sale. The median was also up, rising NZ$5,000 from NZ$95,000 a year ago to $100,000.
New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director, Andrew Seabrook, was thrilled with the remarkable results at the conclusion of trading.
"We were buoyed by the strength of our buying bench for the duration of Book 1. It was great to have the international-based kiwis back on the grounds, which provided some tough competition for our domestic buying bench."
"We are delighted with the turnover which finished at just above NZ$63.1 million (up 24% on last year), but even more so by the fact that 2022 Book 1 receipts surpassed the 2021 Book 1 and Book 2 Sales combined.
"At the close of selling today, we saw 105 yearlings traded for an amount of NZ$200,000 or more, compared to just 74 lots selling for that same amount or over in 2021.
"We also saw five lots sell over the $800,000 threshold this year, compared to just one lot in 2021.
"The average and median both increased and we will see the clearance rate continue to climb overnight as our team works hard behind the scenes to get horses over the line.
"I am extremely proud of what the NZB team has achieved to date and look forward to another three days of trading during our Book 2 Sale."
Rounding out a superb three days of Book 1 trading, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis retained the title of leading buyer by aggregate after purchasing 30 yearlings for a total spend of NZ$7,565,000.
"Our colts syndicate has been very well received by our owners and it's a great thrill for Karyn and I to be able to put this together. It's really exciting to continue to buy horses at Karaka and we are thrilled by what we have managed to secure from this Sale so far."
Tony Fung of Aquis Farms features second on the table having spent NZ$4,065,000 on 11 lots in Book 1.
Waikato Stud once again topped the vendor by aggregate table at the close of Book 1 for the ninth consecutive year, having sold 39 yearlings for a healthy NZ$7,860,000, while Cambridge Stud sat in second place selling 34 yearlings for a total amount of NZ$6,105,000.
Waikato Stud Principal Mark Chittick said he was heartened by the results on the final day of Book 1.
"Achieving results like this in trying times has proved just how hard everybody on the farm has worked. But after seeing what has gone on this week, the time and effort that has gone into the Sale by the NZB team and everybody on the grounds here at Karaka, it is quite incredible," Chittick said.
Beaufort Downs finished as leading vendor by average selling three yearlings for an average of NZ$250,000, while Milan Park were hot on their heels, selling eight yearlings for an average of NZ$221,875.
A mixture of proven and first season stallions feature on the leading sires by average table. Champion sires Savabeel, Tavistock, Pierro and Zoustar, along with freshmen The Autumn Sun and Justify all making an appearance.
With more work to do ahead of Book 2, Director of Sales Danny Rolston, took time to comment on the strength of the New Zealand industry.
"Our industry is so resilient and our team has worked so hard over the last couple of months to be able to host a physical Sale. This is a closed event but it was electric in there today. We certainly didn't have the full auditorium that we are used to but the results have defied that."
