Quality harness racing lots were sought after on the first day of trading at NZB Standardbred’s 2023 National Yearling Sale in Auckland.

During the opening session, 85 lots sold for a total turnover of $5,116,000. The average finished at $60,905, with the median closing at $46,750 and the clearance rate settled at 69%.

NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray commented on the Auckland session results.

“We are heartened by the results that were achieved in the auction ring today,” said Bray.

“The average is a pleasing result given the current economic climate.

“We are also seeing a shift in the buying bench, with huge support for first season sire Captain Crunch, as well as his sire Captaintreacherous.

“We are looking forward to a further three days of selling in Christchurch, with the momentum expected to continue down South,” he said.

Ken and Karen Breckon of Breckon Farms are responsible for selling the top two purchases during the opening session. Both lots are by in demand sire Captaintreacherous and are directly related to prolific Group One winner Elle Mac (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), with the Breckon’s purchasing the mare at the end of her racing career.

Captaintreacherous stock in hot demand at opening session 1 — **Lot 74 (Captaintreacherous x Goodlooklinggirl)**

Topping the session in Auckland was Lot 74, a filly by Captaintreacherous out of Christian Cullen mare Goodlookinggirl (NZ), making the yearling a half-sister to Elle Mac. This Lot was purchased for $300,000 by Paul and Mary Kenny under the Charles Joseph Ltd banner, in representation of Mary’s late father.

Paul Kenny commented on his significant purchase.

“Mary told me to stop at $250,000 but I took a risk,” he said.

“We went through the catalogue and identified three fillies. We had them vetted and this one [Lot 74] vetted out perfectly. We were very happy to secure her.

“She will come back to the farm and she is going to race, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” Kenny said.

Captaintreacherous stock in hot demand at opening session 2 — **Lot 63 (Captaintreacherous x Elle Mac)**

The second highest-priced yearling was Lot 63, a colt also by Captaintreacherous out of Elle Mac herself. This Lot was purchased by one of New Zealand’s leading stables in Stonewall Stud for $270,000, also from Breckon Farms’ draft.

Trainer Steve Telfer was delighted to secure the colt at Karaka.

“We were pleased to get him with breeding like that.”

“Elle Mac was a great mare and it has been a good family for years.”

“We really liked him, he ticked all of the boxes,” Telfer said.

Hollis and Robinson Equine Services are responsible for selling the third highest-priced yearling in Auckland, after Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing Stables secured Lot 119 for $220,000. The colt is by first season sire Captain Crunch out of multiple Group One-winning mare The Orange Agent (NZ).

Breckon Farms ended the session as leading vendor by aggregate, selling 26 yearlings for a total turnover of $2,170,500 and average of $83,481.

Ken Breckon commented on his standout results after selling four of the top five lots.

“It’s very exciting and something we have been working very hard for.”

“We’ve been looking for young mares and have retired our mares early and I think the results speak for themselves.

“Captaintreacherous appears to be the new golden cross with Christian Cullen mares,” Breckon said.

The leading vendor by average at the Auckland Sale was Hollis and Robinson Equine Services, selling six yearlings for an average of $85,883 and total turnover of $515,000.

The Christchurch Sale of Trotters commences on Monday 19 February, with Lot 129 to 194 selling from 3PM (NZT).

The Christchurch session will be beamed to viewers on Freeview channel 200, with coverage streamed live at nzbstandradbred.co.nz and on NZB Standardbred’s facebook page. Presenter Greg O’Connor will bring key sale highlights and interviews throughout the day and will host a Preview Show prior to the Sale of Trotters beginning tomorrow at 2:30PM (NZT).

All yearlings purchased at the 2023 National Standardbred Yearling Sale are eligible for the lucrative $1million dollar Harness Million Sale Race Series.

To make enquiries about any Passed Lots, contact NZB Standardbred’s Cam Bray on +64 21 737 199 or email cam.bray@nzb.co.nz.