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Some of New Zealand’s most influential and established families feature in the catalogue at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka May Sale on May 17.

The sale feature 240 lots encompassing unraced and racing stock and breeding prospects.

The weanling section has some excellent young offerings from notable bereeders.

Richard Moore’s breeding operation has decreased in size from what it was 15 years ago but the ‘Moore’ family traces back to his 1950s taproot mare Gabardine (Gabador) and still has the ability to produce quality racehorses.

The most current from this family is G1 Australian Derby winner Jon Snow (Iffraaj). Lots 34 and 94, both consigned by Haunui Farm, come from this family which features the great mare Soliloquy as their fourth and third dams respectively.

Blue hen mare Eight Carat (Pieces Of Eight) had an extensive impact in the southern hemisphere having produced five G1 winners during her breeding career.

Revolutionary breeder Sir Patrick Hogan started this renowned family and although he handed over the keys to Cambridge Stud in 2018, he remains very passionate.

Eight Carat’s influence extends to several generations now with recent stakes winners Humidor (Teofilo) and Cyber Attack (Shamexpress).

Lots 48 and 76, offered by Curraghmore and Brighthill Farm respectively, descend back to Habibti (Habitat) who is a half-sister to Eight Carat.

Outstanding horseman Tim Douglas established the Douglas galloping dynasty known as the ‘Heights’ family and raced many of them himself.

The matriarch of the famous family is Wuthering Heights (Avocat General) who produced some of the best horses in Australasia of that era, including granddaughter and champion 3YO Filly in New Zealand Noble Heights (Sir Tristram).

Cambria Park’s Lot 59 is a direct descendant from Noble Heights.

Tony, Ray, Martin and Joe are the identity of the Dennis brothers, and together they are passionate about racing.

Their iconic ‘The’ family over many years has produced 43 stakes performers, and three New Zealand Broodmares of the Year, with horses such as The Jewel (O’Reilly), The Phantom (Noble Bijou) and more recently The Chosen One (Savabeel).

Westbury Stud will offer Lot 90 who is from this top producing family and is a half-brother to current G1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas winner La Bella Diosa (So You Think).

James and Annie Sarten started the ‘Belle’ family back in 1939 with their first mare Belle Fox (Foxbridge).

Now Marie Leicester provides an interesting insight into the well-known family with current six-time G1 winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).

Haunui Farm have catalogued winning Danzero mare Belle Fleur (Danzero) at Lot 234. She is a granddaughter of New Zealand Filly of the Year Tri Belle (Sir Tristram) who descends back to Belle Fox.

Belle Fleur, from the wonderful filly family, has been served by Proisir.

Pencarrow Stud’s five foundation mares included the English import Country Charm (Northfields).

The Vela family then bred outstanding race mare Riverina Charm (Sir Tristram), who won G1 Guineas features in New Zealand and Australia, as well as her stakes-winning daughter Sarwatch (Jetball).

Five broodmares consigned by Pencarrow Stud are from this family, including Fontelina (Pins) served by Burgundy (Lot 183), Philosophical (Darci Brahma) served by Ocean Park (Lot 207), Promises (Keeper) served by Burgundy (Lot 211), Skywards (O’Reilly) served by Vadamos (Lot 219) and Stargazing (Rip Van Winkle) served by Burgundy (Lot 223).

Pencarrow Stud will also offer winning Zabeel mare Pomellato at Lot 209. Served by Mongolian Khan, she is from the great Eight Carat family.

New Zealand mares are well-known for playing a leading role on the racetrack and in the breeding barn, being the dams of this year’s G1 winners Winx (Street Cry x Vegas Showgirl), Verry Elleegant (Zed x Opulence), Brutal (O’Reilly x Alberton Princess) and Dixie Blossoms (Street Sense x Whistle Dixie).