Countdown to 2023 National Standardbred Yearling Sale

NZB Standardbred’s 2023 National Yearling Sale is set to take place over four-actioned packed days, featuring an outstanding catalogue of 128 harness racing yearlings offered in Auckland and a further 278 in Christchurch.

Selling commences on Sunday 19 February the Karaka Sales Centre, with a further three days of trading at Canterbury Agricultural Park from Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 February.

NZB Standardbred is thrilled to be able to welcome back international buyers to this Sale for the first time in three years, they will provide tough competition in the ring for our domestic buying bench.

As anticipation builds for the commencement of selling at 12PM on Sunday, here are a few details for those wanting to participate in the live sale action.

Sale Broadcast 

Commencing on Sunday 19 February and running through to the close of selling on Wednesday 22 February, NZB Standardbred’s live sale broadcast can be viewed on various outlets both domestically and internationally.

Our 2023 Sale broadcast will appear on Freeview Channel 200 in New Zealand. Selling will also be streamed live on NZB Standardbred’s website and its online bidding platform, as well as the NZB Standardbred Facebook page.

Each day of selling will be bookended with a 30 minute Preview and Review show. Show times are as follows:

• Auckland Preview Show: 11:30AM (NZT), selling commences at 12PM (NZT)
• Christchurch Sale Day One Preview Show: 2:30PM, selling commences at 3PM (NZT)
• Christchurch Sale Day Two & Three Preview Shows: 12:30PM, selling commences at 1PM (NZT)

As usual, the Review Show will take place immediately after the conclusion of selling. Hosted by Michael Guerin and Greg O’Connor, these shows will feature catalogue highlights, interviews with key personalities, sales analysis and colour from right around Karaka and Christchurch.

• To view the live broadcast online, visit nzbstandardbred.co.nz and click on the Sale link. This will bring you to the catalogue and live video stream, where results will be updated regularly throughout the Sale.
• The action can also be viewed from the live stream on NZB Standardbred’s Facebook page: facebook.com/nzbstandardbred.
• Lot-by-lot footage, sale highlights and interviews will be posted on NZB Standardbred’s Sale TV channel after selling.

Purchasing at the 2023 National Yearling Sale 

Buyers who are physically onsite at Karaka and Canterbury Agricultural Park need to ensure they register to purchase prior to selling at either of NZB’s Sale Day Offices.

For those wishing to purchase horses remotely, online bidding registrations are now open. Buyers are encouraged to visit standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz to register and verify their accounts prior to the Sale.  For those that are already registered and/or have previously purchased on the platform, you must still register for the Sale. Simply login to your existing account on standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz and follow the prompts on the registration page. Should you require any assistance with NZB Standardbred’s online bidding platform, contact support@nzb.co.nz or call +64 9 298 0055.

Phone bidding is another welcomed option for buyers, for enquiries contact NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or emailing Cam.Bray@nzb.co.nz.

All yearlings entered have been inspected by NZB Standardbred and New Zealand-based agents during on-farm parades, who will be able to provide inspection notes and evaluations for buyers.

One Stop Shop

Once the gavel falls, every aspect of the purchaser’s bloodstock interests can be managed in one location through NZB Standardbred, with its Airfreight, Insurance and Finance divisions available to service buyers needs post-sale. If you are at Karaka or Canterbury Agricultural Park, see the team in the Sale Day Office, or call NZB via +64 9 298 0055 for assistance.

The NZB Standardbred Experience

NZB Standardbred is pleased to invite all public to attend the 2023 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale this week. Entry into the Karaka Sales Centre and Canterbury Agricultural Park is free and all are welcome to attend.

The Karaka Sales Centre and facilities at Canterbury Agricultural Park will provide a warm welcome from respected vendors for all buyers to enjoy. At Karaka, for a delicious cafe-style menu, coffee and selection of cold beverages, the Garden Bar will be open on the ground floor or the Tulloch Cafe on the first level. At Canterbury Agricultural Park, enjoy the top southern hospitality from our caterers with an array of kiwi favourites on offer.

Harness Million Series

With an estimated $1 million in the prizepool, NZB Standardbred’s Harness Million Race Series is open to all standardbred weanlings and yearlings offered through the sales ring at qualifying NZB Standardbred sales. Two-year old NZB Standardbred graduates will get their opportunity to contest Harness Million spoils in October 2023, while the three-year-olds meet again two days before the National Yearling Sale in February 2024 for another shot at Harness Million glory.

February 2023 saw an exceptional evening of Harness Million Series Racing take place at Cambridge Raceway, with back-to-back victories claimed by two outstanding NZB Standardbred graduates. Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) put a standout performance in to win the $200,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million Three-Year-Old C&G Final (2200m), whilst Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) saw her unbeaten record remain intact against her filly counterparts, winning the $150,000 Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million Three-Year-Old Fillies Final (2200m).
For enquiries or sale information, contact Standardbred & Operations Administrator Katy McLuckie by calling +64 21 119 0236 or emailing Katy.McLuckie@nzb.co.nz.

An extensive online catalogue at www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz  hosts pedigrees, parade videos and photos, updates and important information to assist your buying decisions.

From NZB Standardbred