Strong bidding saw an incredible opening to NZB Standardbred’s 2022 National Yearling Sale in Auckland.

At the close of trading on Day One of the opening session, key sale indicators increased significantly on 2021’s results.

The average rose to $61,557, up by 23%, while the median climbed significantly to $55,000, a 38% rise on last year’s figure, setting a new Australasian record.

With tough competition for quality lots, 97 yearlings sold for a total turnover of $5,971,000, resulting in an 11% increase on last year’s overall aggregate at the close of Day One.

NZB Director James Jennings was elated by the participation and strength of the buying bench this year.

“We are thrilled with the results we achieved and are relieved to have overcome many obstacles in order to host the Sale at Karaka,” he said.

“Incredibly, the median was actually a lot higher than last year’s average, which in itself was a record for an Australasian sale.

“There was a good vibe at the complex. We didn’t have the atmosphere we usually would due to the COVID-19 Red Alert Level restrictions, but the mood was good.

“It was great to see the quality of the horses offered today and we look forward to the momentum continuing over three days of selling in Christchurch,” Jennings said.

Steve Telfer and Steve Stockman of Stonewall Stud showed no mercy in the sale ring, closing the day as the leading purchaser by both aggregate and average by the end of the Auckland session.

The duo purchased 13 yearlings for a total aggregate of $1,325,000, with an average spend of $101,923, including the top four purchases of the day.

Telfer commented on the stable’s successful day of purchasing.

“The quality that has been presented to us is a step up again from previous years and the professionalism that was displayed today was excellent.”

“We are thrilled to get the list that we have in terms of the quality and bloodstock that we are taking home,” he said.

Top Lot 66 was purchased for $260,000 by Stonewall Stud.

The top-level trainer secured the highest priced yearling on Day One in Lot 66, a colt by champion sire Bettor’s Delight out of Double Twist(NZ) (Artsplace). The Lot is a half-brother to Group One winners Twist And Twirl(NZ) (Artsplace), King Of Swing(NZ) (Rocknroll Hanover) and Bettor Twist(NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), all heralding from the family proven by Breckon Farms.

“Through all of the processes we put in place, this colt came through with double ticks on everything,” Telfer said.

“He was a really impressive type and we really liked what we saw. That family is just so strong.”

The second highest priced yearling was secured by the stable for $220,000, a colt (Lot 50) by first season sire Lazarus out of Dreaming Spires(NZ) (Dream Away) offered by Tardina Stud.

While the third highest price came early in the session after Lot 6 sold for $190,000. The filly by Captaintreacherous out of Veste was offered by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services.

Robert Dunn of Diamond Racing was the second leading purchaser by aggregate, securing seven lots for a total of $547,500 while averaging a $78,214 spend.

The outstanding day of selling saw the leading consignor by aggregate title taken out by Breckon Farms, who sold 28 horses for a total turnover of $1,953,500 and averaging $69,768.

Ken Breckon of Breckon Farms topped the leading consignor by aggregate table at the Auckland session.

“Our pedigrees were so strong this year,” commented Principal Ken Breckon. “COVID-19 presented a challenge along with no general public allowed at the Sale and the results achieved showed a testament to the work that New Zealand Bloodstock has put in to make the Sale happen,” he said.

Woodlands Stud followed suit, selling 37 yearlings for $1,879,000 while averaging $50,784.

The Christchurch Sale of Trotters commences on Monday 14 February, with Lot 139 to 205 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 unbroken yearlings purchased at the 2022 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.

View the Auckland Sale day highlights and replays here.