Next‑Gen Sires step into the spotlight at Nutrien Tasmania

With the Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale at Quercus Park, Carrick now less than fortnight away — set for Valentine’s Day, Saturday February 14 — anticipation is building for what has become one of the state’s key boutique bloodstock events. This year’s catalogue features 36 lots, and while compact, it delivers genuine depth and exciting new sire representation.

First Season Sires on Show

Buyers will have their first opportunity to secure yearlings by Pebble Beach, Catch The Fire, and All Bets Off, three stallions who have each made their mark in North America.

Pebble Beach

The reigning USA 3YO Pacing Colt of the Year, Pebble Beach amassed US$1.72 million, paced 1:48.2, and missed the top three only once from 29 starts. His first Tasmanian offering is a filly from the unraced but well-related Barooga Daisy, adding further appeal to an already elite pedigree.

Catch The Fire

A son of Captaintreacherous, Catch The Fire has made an eye-catching start at stud in North America. His early winners include:

• Prolific Fire (1:53.6) – Ohio Breeders Championship
• She’safirewoman (1:51.8) – Ohio Sires Stakes Champion
• My First Fire (1:53.4)
• Pants On Fire (1:50)

Catch The Fire retired with $1,494,434 in earnings and a record of 18 wins, 9 seconds, 12 thirds from 56 starts. His lone representative in the sale is a colt out of Group 3 winner Lynniemach.

All Bets Off

The richest son of Bettor’s Delight, All Bets Off earned $3,186,658 and was a multiple Group 1 winner at three and four, highlighted by victory in the Canadian Confederation Cup. With only 10 live foals in his first Southern Hemisphere crop, his Tasmanian representative — a colt from 14-time winner Mavis Merle — shapes as a rare opportunity.

Tasbred Incentives Strengthen Buyer Appeal

All lots in the sale are eligible for the Tasbred First Win Bonus, and recent announcements from Tasracing have further enhanced the program. From January 2027, a second Tasbred bonus will be introduced, offering an additional $10,000 for eligible three- and four-year-olds.

The bonus will be distributed as:

• $8,000 cash to the owner
• $2,000 Tasmanian breeding coupon, redeemable at future Tasmanian Yearling Sales or when breeding locally

Each horse can claim only one Tasbred bonus per calendar year, ensuring long-term value for owners and breeders.

All Roads Lead to Quercus Park

With elite first-season sires, strong local pedigrees, and enhanced Tasbred incentives, the 2026 Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale is shaping as a must-attend event. On Valentine’s Day, all eyes will be on Quercus Park, Carrick.

by Gary Newton for Harnesslink