Elite Northern Hemisphere genetics shine at 2026 NZB Yearling Sale

The 2026 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale is just around the corner with the cream of New Zealand’s yearling crop on offer, including some of the Northern Hemisphere’s best trotting genetics, to sell at Karaka on 16 February and Christchurch on 18 February.

From a yearling crop of just over 1,000, New Zealand horses continue to punch above their weight. Performing at the elite level on the global stage, New Zealand standardbreds won 55% of all eligible stake races in Australia last season.

It is well-known that New Zealand’s famous grass, grown in mineral rich soil, is higher in calcium and protein for stronger bones, ligaments and muscles – and naturally more resilient horses.

New Zealand’s temperate climate, with more rainfall than Ireland and more sunshine than Kentucky, means horses can graze in paddocks all year round. Home to some of the most picturesque farms producing a small annual crop of foals yet punching well above their weight on the global stage.

The New Zealand dollar’s current position against the US dollar also presents an attractive opportunity for international buyers, with $1 in NZD currently trading at USD $0.60.

While our New Zealand-bred product has never been better, several exciting editions to the 2026 catalogue see some of the best European and North American pedigrees on offer, by the likes of Huntsville, King of the North, On A Streak, Pebble Beach, Ready Cash, Tall Dark Stranger, Walner and more.

There are several coveted trotters on offer in NZB’s 2026 National Yearling Sale, featuring some of the strongest Northern Hemisphere pedigrees, including but not limited to the following:

• Lot 1 is a colt by Face Time Bourbon out of Gr.1 winner Nieta, a half-brother to Gr.1 winner Rapid Return. Lot 1 is also closely related to further Gr.1 performers Royal Treat, The Locomotive and Dance Craze. Offered by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, selling Monday 16 February.
• Lot 97 (Ecurie D filly) is the first foal from four-time Italian race winner Etsic Etaitvrai, and closely related to Gr.1 winner Callmethebreeze and Ginostrabliggi. Offered by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, selling Monday 16 February.
• Lot 107 is a full brother to legendary trotter Just Believe (Orlando Vici), Australian and New Zealand Horse of the Year. Offered by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, selling Monday 16 February.
• First foal, Lot 113 (Walner colt) is out of blacktype winner Hopeful Beauty and closely related to French performer and stallion Inoubliable. Offered by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, selling Monday 16 February.
• Another by Walner, Lot 258 is a filly out of a Group-winning Love You mare Egee Money, and closely related to several French stakes winners including the grandam, multiple French Gr.1 winner Return Money. Offered by Laura Smith on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, selling Wednesday 18 February.

While our New Zealand-bred product has never been better, several exciting editions to the 2026 catalogue also see some of the best European and North American pedigrees on offer. Check out some of the international yearlings bred to Northern Hemisphere time on offer:

• Lot 15, a colt by Tall Dark Stranger out of Rodeo Beach (Somebeachsomewhere) from JB Bloodstock’s draft is out of a full sister to Huntsville, USA’s 2YO Pacing Colt/Gelding of the Year. Selling Monday 16 February.
• Lot 51 is an American-bred by the USA 2YO Pacing Colt/Gelding of the Year in Huntsville. Closely related to incredible performer and stallion sensation Always B Miki plus 41-time winner Yagonnakissmeornot. On account of JB Bloodstock, selling Monday 16 February.
• Lot 76 is a colt by Ready Cash out of French-bred mare Continentallady. A grandson of the oustanding USA racehorse Continentalvictory.  On account of JB Bloodstock, selling Monday 16 February.
• A full-brother to the NZ Horse of the Year Millwood Nike (Captaintreacherous), Lot 213 is also closely related to the 33-time USA winner Alberto Contador. On account of Laura Smith, selling Wednesday 18 February.
• A January 19 foal, Lot 215 (Bulldog Hanover colt) hails from the family of blacktype performers Jumpingjackmac, Showsomejoy and Our Bettor Joy. On account of G. Crawford, selling Wednesday 18 February.

The above is just a selection of the international bloodlines on offer that compliment our strong Kiwi product. View the full catalogues online here or get in touch with the NZB Standardbred team for more information.

NZB’S 2026 National Standardbred Yearling Sale is set to take place at Karaka on Monday 16 February from 1pm, and at Christchurch on Wednesday 18 February from 11am.

Buyers wishing to purchase remotely can participate via NZB’s user-friendly online bidding platform standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz, while all buyers and agents are welcome to attend the Sale in person at Karaka and Christchurch.

All horses purchased at the Sale are eligible for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one-million-dollar prizepool.

From NZB Standardbred