A record-breaking 2022 National Standardbred Yearling Sale was bookended by impressive market strength. After a strong start at Karaka, the market closed with a buoyant final day in Christchurch.

From the first to the final moments of Day Two at the Pacing session, the demand was steady with solid figures achieved for quality lots.

At the conclusion of four days of trading, the final statistics of the Auckland and Christchurch combined sessions finished on a high note.

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was delighted as the final gavel fell at Canterbury Agricultural Park.

“We are incredibly hearted by what the industry has achieved over the four days of selling,” he said.

“The results continue to reach new heights after a record-breaking aggregate topped last year’s figures, closing at $14,753,000. We saw the average and median climb too, rising to nearly $50,000 and $40,000 respectively.

“We had thirty-two yearlings purchased for an amount of $100,000 or more.

“The buyers were out in full force yet again, with the middle and top end of the market going from strength to strength.

“I would like to thank the consignors for presenting an outstanding bunch of yearlings. The standard of presentation is the best it has ever been, which was reflected in the sale rings at Auckland and Christchurch.”

The highlights on the second day of the Sale of Pacers came early on in the session.

Todd Anderson of Taffy Ltd was over the moon after selling two quality lots, Lot 312 an Art Major filly out of Gotta Go Harmony (NZ) for $125,000 and Lot 318, a Captaintreacherous colt out of Bettor’s Delight mare Imaginary Bet(NZ) for $200,000.

Lot 318 was secured by Cran Dalgety and will join his Kentuckiana Lodge stable, where he trains in partnership with Chrissie Dalgety.

Dalgety acknowledged the strength of competition in the market,

“There is a lot of passion out there and, as you know, there is one man that we’re all talking about in Stonewall Stud, and he was very strong.

“Sure, we were frustrated but for the industry in general it was fantastic and we still managed to get some stunning purchases.

“There were a couple of extra zeros than I wanted but that’s just the way it is, you have to pay overs to get what you want,” Dalgety said.

Todd Anderson was thrilled with the result and pleased to see the colt picked by one of New Zealand’s leading harness racing trainers.

“That’s great the colt going to Cran, he does an excellent job with juveniles and he’ll get every opportunity.

“We appreciate the under bidders’ support and would like to say thank you so much to everyone.”

Anderson also commented on Lot 312, purchased by Peter Lagan Standardbreds.

“She was an impressive type, she’s always rated herself right from a foal. She’s got class from Art Major but also a lot of Cullen about her, like her mother,” he said.

“It’s always hard letting them go but hopefully she goes to a good home and gets every opportunity.

“She is the only one in the catalogue out of a Group One-winning mare, who in turn is also out of a Group One winner,” Anderson said.

The leading purchaser by aggregate title at the Pacing session was dominantly claimed by Stonewall Stud, who secured eight yearlings for a total turnover of $1,023,000 and an average spend of $127,875.

Peter Lagan Standardbreds was next in line, purchasing six youngsters spending $591,000.

In an even playing field, the leading consignor by aggregate title was topped by Laura Smith operation who sold 15 yearlings entered, for a total turnover of $911,500 while averaging $60,767.

The leading consignor by average was Paul and Pauline Renwick of Renwick Farms who sold nine lots for an average spend of $76,788, including a top price of $150,000.

The undisputed king of New Zealand’s breeding ranks, Bettor’s Delight, topped the sires tables by aggregate and average once again after 20 yearlings sold for an aggregate of $1,892,500 averaging $94,625.

Captaintreacherous placed runner up, selling 13 yearlings for a total spend of $1,137,500 while averaging $87,500.

All horses purchased today are eligible for the Harness Million Series with approximately $1 million in prizemoney for graduates of the Yearling Sale Series. 2022 saw the inaugural running of the Harness Million Race Series meeting.

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 highlights and lot-by-lot footage here.

Next up on the calendar is the 2022 National Standardbred Weanling Sale held in May at the Karaka Sales Centre. Entries via the NZB portal will be open soon.