Strong demand in weanling sale

A lively day of trading saw 114 weanlings go through the Karaka sale ring at NZB Standardbred’s 2022 National Weanling Sale. Demand was strong for quality lots, with a number of freshman harness racing sires well supported by the buying bench.

At the close of trading, 99 lots sold for an aggregate of $1,434,500. The average and median both increased on 2021’s results, rising to $14,490 and $10,000 respectively. The clearance rate was strong, settling at 91% and is expected to rise in the coming days.

NZB Director of Operations James Jennings was encouraged by the healthy increase in key sale indicators.

“The atmosphere had a very good feel to it from the rostrum today.”

“We were thrilled to be able to host a Sale in normal circumstances, as well as welcoming our Australian friends back on the grounds at Karaka. Their competition was matched by a great turn out from our domestic buying bench.

“It was heartening to see full support received for New Zealand’s first season sire crops debuting at the Sale, along with the proven and emerging stallions who were also well received.

“The quality and type of weanlings presented was reflected in the statistics, with an increase on 2021’s results in aggregate, average and median.

“As always, we would like to congratulate our consignors on presenting their drafts to the highest standard, while supplying premium photos and videos which added confidence to our buying bench,” Jennings said.

The highlights of the day came late in the session, after Stonewall Stud returned to the Karaka sale ring in full force, securing the top two weanling purchases in Lot 89 and Lot 92 from Alabar Farms.

The top New Zealand stable headed both the leading purchaser by aggregate and average tables, buying nine lots for an aggregate of $271,000 with an average spend of $30,111.

“I definitely think it’s been a stronger weanling sale than we’ve had in the past few years,” commented Steve Telfer of Stonewall Stud.

“The weanlings have been prepared well and the book was stronger, plus there’s a few Australians here as well, so the competitions been fairly strong,” the trainer said.

In an encouraging result for breeders, both top lots are by first season sire Captain Crunch (USA).

Lot 92, a filly out of Group Two placed Art Major mare Princess Arts(NZ), was bought by the stable for $55,000. This Lot is a half-sister to Group Three winner Alta Wiseguy(NZ) (Mach Three).

While Lot 89, a colt out of Presidental Affair(NZ) (Presidential Ball) was purchased for $46,000. This lot is a half-brother to Group One Western Australia Oaks winner Maczaffair(NZ) (Mach Three) and Group Three Western Australia Caduceus Club Classic winner Golden State(NZ) (Big Jim).

Australian raider Scott Whitton of Tumby Park Pty Ltd was the second leading purchaser by both aggregate and average, travelling from New South Wales to purchase six lots for a total turnover of $180,000 and an average spend of $30,000.

With Woodlands Stud and Alabar Farms neck in neck in the results tables throughout the day, it was Woodlands Stud that came out on top as the leading consignor by aggregate selling 60 weanlings for a total turnover of $726,500 and an average of $12,108.

Woodands Stud Principal Andrew Grierson commented on the final results.

“It was a great buying bench and a nice fine day, people came and they’re all bidding. It’s been a really good weanling sale.”

Alabar Farms topped the leading consignor by average table, selling 36 weanlings for an average of $18,806 while turning over $677,000.

All weanlings purchased at the Sale are eligible to be nominated for the lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series, with entries closing 7 June 2022.

To enquire about Passed In lots, contact Bloodstock Sales Representative Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or email Cam.Bray@nzb.co.nz, or use the ‘Bid Now’ function on the website.

View the full results online here.

View key sale highlights and interviews here.

by NZB Standardbred