Trans-Tasman 2025 yearling sale catalogue announced

With a flair of Australasian flavour, a high quality 343-lot harness racing catalogue has been assembled for NZB Standardbred’s 2025 National Yearling Sale held at Karaka and Canterbury Agricultural Park next summer.

The refreshed sale format will see selling kick off in Auckland on Saturday 15 February and in Christchurch on Tuesday 18 February. The condensed three-day sale with inspection days between Auckland and Christchurch sessions allows time for travel and inspections. 

The New Zealand product continues to perform on major racedays across Australasia, with NZB Standardbred graduates adding to the blockbuster performances in recent times. Headlined by horses such as Merlin (NZ) (Art Major), Meant To Be (NZ) (Father Patrick), Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Rakero Rebel (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven), Major Hot (NZ) (Art Major),  Cyclone Jordy (NZ) (Art Major), Coastal Babe (NZ) (Downbytheseaside), Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) and more, the Sale has become an incredible source of racetrack stars. 

With 130 yearlings set to go under the hammer in Auckland and a further 213 in Christchurch, buyers will have the opportunity to secure top-class yearlings from blue-blooded families, with a number of siblings to Group One winners and progeny from Group One-winning dams. 

Some of those include:  

• Lot 9, a full sister to Group One Victorian Oaks and Caduceus Club Classic winner Coastal Babe (NZ) (Downbytheseaside) presented by breeders Woodlands Stud.  
• Offered on behalf of first-time consignors at this Sale in Yabby Dam Farms, Lot 34 is a half-brother to three-time Group One winner in Australia Cravache Dor (AUS) (Orlando Vici). The colt is by Muscles N Blue and will be prepared by Hollis & Robertson Equine Services.  

• A rare opportunity is presented with the first ever colt out of Champion mare Adore Me (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) going through the ring as Lot 70. By Captaintreacherous, he will be offered by Woodlands Stud.  

• Lot 81 is a half-brother to incredible filly Millwood Nike (NZ) (Captaintreacherous). By Art Major, the colt is offered by co-breeders Alabar.  

• Cover horse and multiple Group One-winner Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) has a half-brother catalogued as Lot 134.. The Captaintreacherous colt is offered by Laura Smith on behalf of breeders Taffy Ltd.  

• Lot 142 features an exciting combination, by champion racehorse and freshman sire King of Swing, out of Kate Black (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), making this colt a half-brother to trans-Tasman Group One winner Got The Chocolates (NZ) (Art Major). 

• Barron Bloodstock also offer a full sister (Lot 301) to the exciting Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) who’s had a major pedigree update winning the Group One Sires Stakes Series Final since the catalogue went to print.
  

There are 39 stallions represented including champions Bettor’s Delight, Art Major, Captaintreacherous and more, plus the first offering from freshmen Bird Parker, Face Time Bourbon, King of Swing, On A Streak and Zenith Stride.  

 The catalogue also features the first-ever Australian-owned and bred yearlings to be offered, from the world-class Victorian-based Yabby Dam Farms. 

“The quality of the catalogue continues to make this Sale the best in Australasia,” claimed NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray. 

“The inclusion of Yabby Dam’s horses in Laura Smith and Hollis & Robertson Equine Services’ draft just adds to some of the incredible yearlings on offer.” 

“There are some really current performers in the catalogue and we are particularly excited to sell the first colt out of champion mare Adore Me, not to mention the full to the rising superstar Marketplace. 

“While the condensed catalogue is a reflection of the reduced foal crop, the format is preferable for buyers and the opportunity to buy quality yearlings is limited, so if you want a nice horse, this is the source.” 

All yearlings will be available for inspection during the on-farm parades, with all prospective buyers welcome to attend to get a head start on inspections and evaluations. NZB Standardbred and New Zealand-based agents and trainers will be available to inspect on behalf of prior to the Sale and on the grounds at the Karaka Sales Centre and Canterbury Agricultural Park.  

Buyers wishing to purchase remotely can participate via NZB’s user-friendly online bidding platform standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz, while all buyers and agents are welcome to attend the physical sale sessions in person at Karaka and Christchurch.  

All yearlings purchased at the 2025 National Yearling Sale are eligible for the lucrative $1 million Harness Million Sale Race Series for graduates, consisting of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, plus opportunities for four-year-old and older horses. 

The online catalogue for Karaka and Christchurch are now available to view online at www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz, on the Equineline app, and with printed copies due to arrive in mailboxes soon.  

For general sale enquiries or more information, email standardbred@nzb.co.nz or call +64 9 298 0055. 

Selling Schedule 

2025 Auckland Sale at the Karaka 

• Saturday 15 February, Parades from 10am, selling from 1pm (NZT): Lots 1 – 130 

2025 Christchurch Sale at Canterbury Agricultural Park 

• Inspection Days: Sunday 16 February (subject to buyer demand) and Monday 17 February 2025  

• Selling: Tuesday 18 February, 11am (NZT): Lots 131-343.
  

 On-Farm Parade Dates  

North Island Tour 

• Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 January 

North Canterbury Tour 

• Monday 3 & Tuesday 4 February 

Southland Tour 

• Monday 10 & Tuesday 11 February 

From NZB Standardbred