NZB’s National Standardbred Yearling Sale continued in Christchurch on Tuesday, where 134 lots went under the hammer at the Canterbury Agricultural Park.

A flurry of bids bookended the first of two days in Christchurch, where top lots were seen at the start and end of the mixed day of trading.

On top was Lot 136, a colt by Bettor’s Delight from the Group One-producing mare Democrat Party who was knocked down to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing for $240,000 from Price Bloodstock.

Strong bidding bookends day one of Christchurch session 1 — **Lot 136 was knocked down for $240,000**

“He was well prepared with plenty of scope,” commented co-trainer Barry Purdon.

“He’s looks very familiar to Republican Party, so we’re very pleased to secure him.”

The second top lot was three lots prior when Lot 133 (Captaintreacherous x Delight In Me colt) was purchased by Dean Shannon’s Montana Park banner for $220,000 from Laura Smith’s draft.

Strong bidding bookends day one of Christchurch session 2 — **Lot 133 was purchased for $220,000**

Laura Smith also consigned the third top lot when late in the day Peter Lagan Standardbreds outlaid $200,000 for Lot 258, a Bettor’s Delight colt out of Platinum.

NZB’s Director of Operations James Jennings reflected on the session.

“It was a tough day at the office, the Australian spend was very strong today, but the Kiwi spend was down.”

“We know our buyers are here and many haven’t filled their books, so we hope they are keeping their powder dry until the final day of selling tomorrow.

“There has been some great incentives come into harness racing recently, and we know there will be more. So those buying horses now to go into their stables are going to reap the benefits of those incentives in the near future.”

The final day of the Christchurch session commences on Wednesday 21 February, with lots 261 – 393 selling from 11am (NZT).

The Christchurch session will be beamed to viewers on Freeview Channel 200, with coverage streamed live at nzbstandardbred.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 beginning tomorrow at 10:30am (NZT).

All yearlings purchased at the 2024 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 at +64 21 737 199 or email cam.bray@nzb.co.nz, or James Jennings on James.Jennings@nzb.co.nz or call +64 27 233 3333.

View the Christchurch session results click here.

View the Christchurch session highlights, interviews and lot-by-lot footage click here.