Online participation key at 2024 Weanling Sale

Strong online participation and a flurry of bids late in the day closed out NZB Standardbred’s 2024 National Weanling Sale at the Karaka Sales Centre.

With the smallest weanling catalogue to date, 106 weanlings plus two yearlings went under the hammer on a mixed day of selling that turned over $904,500 and saw an 86% clearance rate.

The active domestic buying bench was complimented by internationals from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and China to name a few on the buyer’s sheet.

In a bittersweet farewell, the highest-priced weanling of the day was Lot 31 (Captaintreacherous x Juice Brogden colt), offered by long-time vendors Graham & Judy Bowen of Brogden Lodge, who prepared their final draft ahead of their retirement.

Purchasers of the $60,000 colt and leading buyers at the end of the Sale, Kentuckiana Lodge, almost missed the opportunity to secure the one they had set out for.

“I really wanted him,” stated Cran Dalgety.

“I had to go collect the wife from the airport, I was daydreaming on the way back and missed the turn-off. I nearly missed him,” he joked.

No stranger to the yearling market, the trainer spotted his chance with the quality colt.

“I would’ve had to spend a lot more for this type of horse as a yearling, I guess we only have to feed and cuddle him for a few extra months,” he added.

Leading vendors Woodlands Stud sold 38 lots for $367,500. Woodlands Stud principal Andrew Grierson reflected on the day of selling.

“It was a bit character-building today for sure, I understand where the economy is going, and people are feeling it around the place. It wasn’t unexpected that it would be a tough market, but we had a lovely draft of horses and that’s probably why we managed to top the Sale.”

“You’ve just got to look at the positives, we’re in it for the long game and it swings in roundabouts. We’ve had plenty of great times and this is a tough one, but I think it’ll be right by February when the yearling sales come around. Here’s hoping that’s right.”

Following the weanling session, Lot 106, a yearling colt by Captaintreacherous was secured online by Australian buyer Mick Harvey for $80,000 when offered by Breckon Farms.

NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray commented on the day proceeding.

“Following on from the yearling sales trend, today was very much a buyers’ market.”

“It was hard work, but good to see the key sale indicators get to where they did.”

“It was particularly good to see the online platform being well utilised, with a significant number of lots bought online and strong participation from internationals.”

All weanlings purchased at the Sale are eligible to be nominated for the lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series, with entries closing early June.

To enquire about Passed In lots, contact Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or email Cam.Bray@nzb.co.nz.

To view the full results online, click here.

To view key sale highlights, interviews and lot-by-lot footage, click here.

From NZB Standardbred