Champions

The sheer calibre of the New Zealand thoroughbred consistently brought to market at Karaka across the span of a century is quite remarkable. From over 100 years of selling, many greats of the turf have emerged from New Zealand Bloodstock's sales, cementing the elite reputation of the New Zealand thoroughbred. Check out some of our legendary graduates to emerge from the sale ring below, in no particular order:

 

Aerovelocity

Breeding: Pins – Exodus colt
Sale: 2010 National Yearling Sale, $120,000
Vendor: Windsor Park Stud
Purchaser: Mr PD O’Sullivan
Race Record: 25:12-4-3
Earnings: NZ$7,828,538
Champion Sprinter in Hong Kong in 2014-15 & 2016-17

Aerovelocity was regarded as one of the toughest horses to have competed on the Hong Kong circuit. After winning his only start in New Zealand Aerovelocity was sold to Hong Kong. Racing during the 2013-14 season Aerovelocity raced seven times for five successive wins reaching his pinnacle with victory in the HK-3 Sha Tin Vase. During the 2014-15 season he won four from six. His wins included his famous international Group One trio of sprints in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore in a single racing season.  

Aerovelocity created history in 2014 when he was the first New Zealand bred racehorse to win the international Gr.1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin while winning the Gr.1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in Japan, Aerovelocity became the first foreign racehorse to win the Japanese Gr.1 race. In Singapore he captured the Gr.1 KrisFlyer International Sprint and was subsequently named Hong Kong’s champion sprinter. At his penultimate start he again won the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint.
 

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Octagonal

Breeding: Zabeel – Eight Carat colt
Sale: 1994 National Yearling Sale, $210,000
Vendor: Cambridge Stud
Purchaser: Wrightson Bloodstock Ltd (as agent)
Race Record: 28:14-7-1
Earnings: $5,892,231
Australian Champion 2YO; Australian Champion 3YO; Australian Horse of the Year 1995-96;
Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2012

Cambridge Stud’s Sir Patrick Hogan wasted no time in giving Zabeel his best chance to succeed by sending Eight Carat, already the producer of two Group 1 winners, to him in his first season. The resulting yearling was purchased by Wrightson Bloodstock on behalf of the Sydney-based chicken processing giants Jack and Bob Ingham, and was trained by John Hawkes for their Woodlands Stud empire. Tried in December 1994 at two, Octagonal won at Rosehill on debut and then returned in March to land the Gr.2 Todman Slipper Trial Stakes. Two weeks later, he ran second to Flying Spur in the Gr.1 STC Golden Slipper Stakes. He then added the Gr.1 AJC Sires’ Produce
Stakes and ended his first campaign with a second in the Gr.1 AJC Champagne Stakes, his results crowning him the Australian Champion 2YO.

His 3YO career began with two blacktype wins and a placing. He was then beaten into third by Our Maizcay in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas in Melbourne. Next he won the 1995 Gr.1 WS Cox Plate by a head from Mahogany, and ran second in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby to Nothin’ Leica Dane. Returning the following year, he ran second in the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes, then racked up four successive Group 1 wins – the Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, Mercedes Classic and the AJC Derby, in which he caught Saintly on the line, completing the Triple Crown and claiming the Australian Horse of the Year title. At four, he won the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes, ran second in the Gr.2 AJC Apollo Stakes and won the Gr.1 Chipping Norton Stakes. He gamely landed the Gr.1 VRC Australian Cup before
defending his Mercedes Classic crown, winning by a nose to become the highest-earning Australian racehorse in history. ‘The Big O,’ as he was affectionately known, bowed out with a second in the Gr.1 AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes to claim a career record of 10 Group 1 wins.

At stud he sired 25 stakes winners, including Lonhro, Champion Australian Sire in 2011. Octagonal's dam Eight Carat was named Broodmare of the Year on three successive occassions while in 2025 Octagonal was inducted to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

 

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Mufhasa

Breeding: Pentire – Sheila Cheval colt
Sale: 2006 National Yearling Sale, $50,000
Vendor: Rich Hill Stud
Purchaser: Mr DL Archer
Race Record: 62:20-9-6
Earnings: $2,902,553
NZ Horse of the Year 2008-09 & 2011-12; NZ Champion Sprinter 2008-09; 2010-11 & 2011-12; NZ Champion Miler 2008-09; NZ Racing Rall of Fame

Bred by Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson and his father Colin, Mufhasa was purchased by David Archer and was raced by him in partnership with his partner Di Wright and children Simon and Natalie Archer.Trained by Stephen McKee, Mufhasa won on debut at two and in 11 starts at three he won four more, including three in succession. At four, he won his ninth race from 18 starts with an easy victory in Riccarton’s Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile. Two starts later, he secured the first of his 10 career Group 1 wins in the WRC Telegraph Hcp, and his second when winning the Waikato Draught Sprint at his next start.

In Sydney as King Mufhasa, he ran third in the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes. At five, he was second in the Gr.1 HBJC Mudgway Partsworld Stakes to Tavistock, and in defending his Waikato Draught Sprint crown, he finished third again to Tavistock. After winning the Gr.1 Otaki Maori RC WFA Classic, he collected two placings in Australia.

As a 6YO, he completed the same Group 1 Telegraph-Waikato Draught Sprint double as he had at age four. Fresh up at seven, he beat Jimmy Choux in the Gr.1 HBJC Makfi Challenge Stakes and was second to him in the Gr.1 HBJC Windsor Park Plate. In Melbourne he won the Gr.1 Toorak Hcp. Back in New Zealand, he won the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes, was second in the Gr.1 Waikato Draught Sprint, then returning to Caulfield, won the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes. At eight, he won his tenth Group 1, the HBJC Windsor Park Plate, was second in the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes, and won the Gr.3 Manawatu Challenge Stakes for his 20th and final win. That autumn, he recorded a third in the Futurity Stakes, a second to champion Pierro in the Gr.1 ATC George Ryder Stakes and was unplaced in the Gr.1 HKJC Champions Mile. At his only start as a 9YO he finished second in the Gr.1 HBJC Windsor Park Plate. Retired to his purchaser David Archer's property, Mufhasa became a frequent vistor to the races as a living legend and equine amabassador for racing.
 

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Rising Fast

Breeding: Alonzo – Faster colt
Sale: 1951 National Yearling Sale, 325gns
Vendor: FR & BA Robertson
Purchaser: Mr LR Spring
Race Record: 68:24-17-2
Earnings: £66,765
Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2002; NZ Racing Hall of Fame 2008

Rising Fast was bred by Frank and Bruce Robertson, the sons of the National Yearling Sale founder and the colt’s purchaser, Charlie Robertson, at their Platform Farm in the Wairarapa. This colt was a last option recommendation by Robertson, acting on behalf of Leicester Spring, a Whakatane accountant and later the founder of the local newspaper, when several other recommended youngsters had seemed past Spring’s limit. Rejected by two trainers, Jack Winder of Te Rapa agreed to take the colt. Placed once at two, Rising Fast then won five times at three. At four, an open handicap win was followed by controversy when Rising Fast was adjudicated to have not run on his merits in the Te Awamutu Cup. The result was that the trainer, jockey and horse were disqualified. Understandably piqued, Spring took Rising Fast to Australia and New Zealanders never saw him race again.

At five with trainer Ivan Tucker, he won the QTC JHS Barnes Stakes (L) in Brisbane and the MVRC John F Feehan Stakes (Gr.2) at Moonee Valley. Then followed his total supremacy winning the VRC Turnbull Stakes (Gr.2), VATC Caulfield Stakes (Gr.1), VATC Caulfield Cup (Gr.1), MVRC WS Cox Plate (Gr.1), VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes (Gr.1), the 1954 VRC Melbourne Cup (Gr.1) carrying 9st 5lb (59.5kg) and the VRC CB Fisher Plate (L). This tally made it seven successive wins and the only horse in history to win the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cups in the same year.

In the autumn of 1955, under a new trainer Mr Fred Hoysted, he won the VRC Carbine Stakes (Gr.3). At six, he won the VATC Herbert Power Hcp (Gr.3) and his second VATC Caulfield Cup (Gr.1) carrying 9st 10lb (61.5kg). In his second Melbourne Cup he was beaten by Toparoa by three-quarters of a length carrying 10st (63.5kg). The winner’s jockey was suspended for two months for causing interference however Rising Fast’s owner elected not to protest. On the last day he won another VRC CB Fisher Plate (L) and in the autumn the VATC CF Orr Stakes (Gr.2) and VRC Blamey Stakes (Gr.2). At seven he won the VATC Memsie Stakes (Gr.2), was second in the MVRC WS Cox Plate (Gr.1) and fifth in the 1956 VRC Melbourne Cup (Gr.1). His dam Faster was named 1955 Broodmare of the Year.
 

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Solvit

Breeding: Morcon – Yallah Sun colt
Sale: 1990 National Yearling Sale, $4,500
Vendor: Repotane Stud
Purchaser: Mrs MJ Murdoch
Race Record: 52:15-7-4
Earnings: A$1,656,052
2= 1994-95 Australasian 4YO+ Classification (1450-2050m)

Waiuku trainer Moira Murdoch formed a family partnership with a budget of $10,000 to buy one of two Morcon colts in the Sale’s second session, securing this Lot for just $4,500. Breeder Neill Waddell, before establishing Repotane Stud in Hamilton, had bred Angus cattle and Southdown sheep in Gisborne. Although small, Solvit showed promise in his first season, winning at Pukekohe for one of his two wins, despite his aversion to right-handed tracks. In September during his second season, he finished third behind future champion Veandercross in the Listed Hawke's Bay Guineas, then beat Veandercross in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas, adding the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas at his next start. 

Although unsuccessful in Melbourne in the autumn, after an open Handicap win at New Plymouth and a Group 3 second in the Great Northern Challenge Stakes at Ellerslie, Solvit returned to Melbourne to win the Gr.3 Waterford Crystal Mile, signalling a bright future. Back home, he ran third in Ellerslie’s Gr.2 Bluebird Foods Trophy, and returned to Ellerslie in March to land his first Group 1, the Air New Zealand Stakes. His 5YO season included the Hastings Spring Carnival, where he was third in the Group 3 Sprint on the first day and then second in the Gr.2 Kelt Capital Stakes, splitting Calm Harbour and Castletown. Back at Moonee Valley, he ran second in the Gr.1 WS Cox Plate to The Phantom Chance. At home, he added the Listed Manawatu Challenge Stakes and successfully defended his Gr.1 Air New Zealand Stakes crown. 

At six, back at the Hastings Spring Carnival, he finished second in the Group 3 Sprint then won the Gr.2 Kelt Capital Stakes before going on to win the 1994 Gr.1 WS Cox Plate. Taking the lead at the 1600m point and gamely holding out a fast-finishing Rough Habit to win by a short head. He also made Murdoch one of only two female trainers in Cox Plate history to claim the prestigious prize. He added the Gr.3 ARC Clifford Plate the following January. At seven, he was third in the Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Enerco Stakes, second in the Gr.2 Kelt Capital Stakes and won the Gr.3 ARC Great Northern Challenge Stakes, his last victory.

 

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Bonecrusher

Breeding: Pag Asa – Imitation colt
Sale: 1984 Waikato March Yearling Sale, $3,250
Vendor: Mr RW Punch
Purchaser: Mr PJ Mitchell
Race Record: 44:18-5-12
Earnings: A$2,206,547
Horse of the Year in NZ & Joint Horse of the Year in Australia in 1986-87. Champion 3YO & 4YO in Australia in 1985-86 & 1986-87

Champion graduate Bonecrusher was purchased at the 1984 Waikato Yearling Sale held in March for $3,250 by owner Peter Mitchell. In amassing 14 wins in both New Zealand and Australia Bonecrusher was the first New Zealand thoroughbred to win over NZ$1 million in prize money.  Bonecrusher won three Group One races in New Zealand, including the New Zealand Derby in 1985 and the Air New Zealand Stakes in 1986 and 1988. He won six Group One races in Australia, including the AJC Derby, the Tancred Stakes, the Cox Plate and the Australian Cup.

 

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Golden Sixty

Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro – Gaudeamus colt
Sale: 2017 NZB Ready to Run Sale, $300,000
Vendor: Riversley Park
Purchaser: Mr F Lui
Race Record: 31:26-2-1
Earnings: HK$167,170,600
Hong Kong Horse of the Year – 2002-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, Leading Older Male on the 2023 WBR Rankings (Mile). Champion Miler in Hong Kong in 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24. Champion Middle Distance Horse in Hong Kong in 2020-21. Champion 4YO in Hong Kong in 2019-20.
 

One of the greatest Karaka graduates, Golden Sixty won 26 of 31 starts and earned a world record HK$167 million. Purchased for $300,00 from the world-leading NZB Ready to Run Sale, Golden Sixty was secured at Karaka by his trainer Francis Lui from leading preparers Riversley Park. Across six seasons he became a three‑time Hong Kong Horse of the Year, four‑time Most Popular Horse, three‑time Champion Miler, and collected 10 Group One victories, including three Hong Kong Miles, three Champions Miles, two Stewards’ Cups and two Hong Kong Gold Cups. He also swept the Four‑Year‑Old Series and produced a 16‑race winning streak.
 

 

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So You Think

Breeding: High Chaparral – Triassic colt
Sale: 2008 Premier Yearling Sale, $110,000
Vendor: Windsor Park Stud Ltd
Purchaser: DGR Thoroughbred Services
Race Record: 23:14-4-1
Earnings: A$8,893,882
Australian Champion Colt 2009-10 & Champion Miler 20010-11, Ireland Champion Older Horse 2011 & 2012, Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2019, NZ Racing Hall of Fame 2016

Bred by Michael Moran, Windsor Park Stud's Marketing Manager, in partnership with Piper Farm principals Cecile and Alex Smith, So You Think was purchased by Duncan Ramage on behalf of Malaysian billionaire Dato Tan Chin Nam and Tunku Ahmad Yahaya. Trained by Bart Cummings, So You Think won on debut at two. He next raced at three, finishing second in the Listed AJC Ming Dynasty Hcp, followed by his maiden stakes win in the Gr.3 STC Gloaming Stakes. After a fifth in the Gr.1 MRC Caulfield Guineas, he won the Gr.1 WS Cox Plate by three lengths. He ended his season with a second in the Gr.1 VRC Emirates Stakes.

As a 4YO, So You Think won, in succession, the Gr.2 MRC Memsie Stakes, Gr.1 MRC Underwood Stakes, Gr.1 MRC Yalumba Stakes, a second Gr.1 WS Cox Plate and the Gr.1 VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes. He also placed third in the 2010 Gr.1 VRC Melbourne Cup.

Sold to Coolmore Stud, So You Think was exported to Ireland where he won the Gr.3 Curragh Mooresbridge Stakes by 12 lengths, then added the Gr.1 Curragh Tattersall’s Gold Cup. Narrowly beaten in the Gr.1 Royal Ascot Prince of Wales Stakes, he then defeated the Derby and Arc winner Workforce in the Gr.1 Sandown Eclipse Stakes. A win over Snow Fairy in the Gr.1 Leopardstown Irish Champion Stakes preceded a gallant fourth in the Gr.1 Longchamp Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He finished second in the Gr.1 Ascot Champion Stakes to Cirrus des Aigles and, in his only attempt on dirt in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup Classic, he finished sixth. His final season saw him run fourth in the Gr.1 Meydan Dubai World Cup, add his second Gr.1 Curragh Tattersall’s Gold Cup and record a Royal Ascot win in the Gr.1 Prince of Wale’s Stakes. When retired, his fabulous race record included ten Group 1 wins.

His stud career has also been outstanding with 65 stakes winners to date. Among his progeny are Group 1 winners Think About It and Think It Over. His dam Triassic won consecutive Broodmare of the Year titles in 2011 and 2012. 

 

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Tulloch

Breeding: Khorassan – Florida colt
Sale: 1956 National Yearling Sale, 750gns
Vendor: Trelawney Stud
Purchaser: Mr TJ Smith
Race Record: 53:36-12-4
Earnings: £110,890
Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2001, NZ Racing Hall of Fame 2008

Breeder of the famous Tulloch, D.H. Blackie, had been a Dunedin businessman where his company manufactured the Manhattan brand of ladies’ coats and frocks. A prominent owner of both gallopers and trotters, he relocated to Cambridge in 1946 to establish a stable for his large team of horses. Described by vendor Seton Otway as small, ugly and with a sway back, Tulloch was a surprise spec buy by an, at the time, up-and-coming Sydney trainer T.J. Smith. Stable clients given the opportunity to buy the colt declined despite being offered at the bare landed cost. The lucky owner became long term patron, E.A. Haley, who named the colt Tulloch after the Scottish town where his mother was born. In 13 starts at two he won seven times including two Listed events. The following March, at Flemington he won the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.1). In Sydney he defeated the brilliant and unbeaten Todman by two lengths in the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.1) then ran second to him in the AJC Champagne Stakes (Gr.1).

Tulloch’s 3YO season was utterly dominant, winning in succession the AJC Warwick Stakes (Gr.2), STC Rosehill Guineas (Gr.1), AJC Derby (Gr.1) by six lengths, VATC Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1) by eight lengths, VATC Caulfield Cup (Gr.1) setting an Australasian record for the mile and a half, and VRC Derby (Gr.1) by eight lengths. Smith wanted to start the 3YO in the 1957 Melbourne Cup but owner Haley would not hear of racing a 3YO over two miles. Tulloch completed 1957 with a win in the Queensland Derby (Gr.1). Resuming in February 1958 and taking three starts to find winning form he then won six in a row including both the VRC and AJC St Legers (Gr.2) and three Group 1s, the STC Rawson Stakes, AJC All Aged Stakes and AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes. 

A stomach virus kept Tulloch off the scene for two years but in the autumn of 1960 he won five stakes races including the AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr.1). At six in 19 starts he won ten including the MVRC WS Cox Plate (Gr.1), VRC LKS Mackinnon Stakes (Gr.1) and the AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr.1) for the third time. He was unplaced in the 1960 VRC Melbourne Cup carrying 10st 1lb (64kg). His magnificent career came to a close in June 1961 after winning the QTC Brisbane Cup (Gr.1), becoming the first Australian horse to post £100,000 in winnings. Retired to Haley’s Te Koona Stud he sired two stakes winners. Blackie's mare Florida was later awarded 1958 Broodmare of the Year.
 

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Mr Tiz

Breeding: Bletchingly – Yir Tiz colt
Sale: 1986 National Yearling Sale, $100,000
Vendor: Blandford Lodge Ltd
Purchaser: Mr DJ O’Sullivan
Race Record: 36:17-2-6
Earnings: A$698,448
Top of the 1989-90 & 1991-92 Australasian 4YO+ Classifications (1000m - 1200m). Joint top of the 1990-91 Australasian 4YO+ Classification (1000m - 1200m)

Mr Tiz was purchased at the 1986 National Yearling Sale held in Trentham by his trainer Dave O'Sullivan for $100,000 from Blandford Lodge. Mr Tiz would go on to record three consecutive wins in the Gr.1 ARC Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, the country’s premier sprint race. He remains the only horse to have achieved this feat. He is also won the Gr.1 WRC Telegraph Handicap on two occasions. Winning the Listed Hawke’s Bay Guineas at his fourth start, as a four year old his true ability was observed when he completed the rare Railway-Telegraph double. Incredibly he dead heated in both races. He would record wins in both races again the following season and completed an unprecedented Railway treble in 1991 and finished second in the Telegraph.

In Australia, Mr Tiz won The Gr.1 AJC Galaxy in Sydney one of the premier spring races in Australia. In the last start of his career Mr Tiz finished third in the Gr.1 VRC Gadsden at Flemington having secured seven Group One wins.
 

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Mr Brightside

Breeding: Bullbars – Lilahjay colt
Sale: 2019 Karaka May Sale, $22,000
Vendor: Phoenix Park
Purchaser: Phill Cataldo Bloodstock (BAFNZ)
Race Record: 48:20-13-3
Earnings: A$18,898,547

Mr Brightside has become one of Karaka’s all-time greats recording 10 Group One victories. After an unplaced run in New Zealand as a 3YO, Mr Brightside was exported to Australia where he quickly made up for lost time recording five wins as an early 4YO in Victoria. He recorded his first Group One success in the 2022 ATC Doncaster Handicap at Randwick.

At five, following a second placing in the Gr.1 MRC Futurity Stakes he won the $5 million MVRC All-Star Mile, prior to it becoming a Group One race, followed by taking out his second Gr.1 ATC Doncaster Handicap. At six he won the Gr.1 VRC Makybe Diva Stakes before placing second in the Gr.1 ATC King Charles III Stakes, the Gr.1 MVRC WS Cox Plate and the Gr.1 VRC Cantala Stakes. A further two Group One wins followed in the MRC CF Orr Stakes and the MRC Futurity Stakes. He recorded his second VRC Makybe Diva Stakes in 2024 and further Group One wins in both the VRC Cantala Stakes and the MRC Futurity Stakes. In 2025 he would record his tenth Group One victory when winning the VRC Makybe Diva Stakes for the third time becoming the first horse to win the Group 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes three times in a row. Along with his 10 Group One victories Mr Brightside has to his credit 12 Group 1 placings and multiple Group 2 victories. 

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Probabeel

Breeding: Savabeel – Far Fetched filly
Sale: Karaka 2018: Book 1, $380,000
Vendor: Waikato Stud 
Purchaser: Mr DC Ellis
Race Record: 29:13-8-0
Earnings: A$4,354,006
NZ Horse of the Year 2021-2022 

The pedigree of Probabeel traces back to a broodmare that breeder, Garry Chittick, purchased in America, a Pakistan II mare bred in New Zealand named Georgina Belle. Prior to returning to New Zealand, she was sent to England where she was mated with Habat. The resultant foal named Habania, who raced successfully for Chittick in Australia, is the 4th dam of Probabeel. Distinctively Waikato Stud bred, by Savabeel out of a Pins mare, out of a Centaine mare, out of an O’Reilly mare, Probabeel was purchased by David Ellis, before being on sold to the under-bidders, Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud.

Trained by Jamie Richards, Probabeel broke her maiden at start two, returning to Ellerslie to win again in January, before bolting clear to win the 2019 $1m Karaka Millions 2YO. In Sydney at three, she was beaten by Funstar in the Gr.2 ATC Tea Rose Stakes and the Gr.1 ATC Flight Stakes. Returning home, she had an effortless win at Awapuni then returned to Ellerslie to win the 2020 $1m Karaka Millions 3YO, becoming the first to complete the rich Karaka Millions double. Back in Sydney, she won the Gr.1 ATC Surround Stakes defeating Funstar, and ran seconds in the Gr.2 ATC Phar Lap Stakes and Gr.1 ATC Vinery Stud Stakes. Continuing in Sydney at four, Probabeel was second in the Gr.3 ATC Show County Hcp, then ran 1:22.64 to win the Gr.3 ATC Bill Ritchie Hcp. She then won the Gr.1 ATC Epsom Hcp, again beating Funstar in a slashing 1:32.86. In Melbourne, she won the Gr.3 Geoffery Bellmaine Stakes and the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes from Arcadia Queen. Back in Sydney, she was second in the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes.

At five, in Melbourne, she again won fresh up in the Gr.3 WW Cockram Stakes, and two starts later chased Zaaki home for a second in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes, followed by a tough effort to win the Gr.1 Might and Power Stakes (Caulfield Stakes). After a break, she
won her second Gr.3 MRC Geoffery Bellmaine Stakes. Retired, she has since produced two fillies at stud.

 

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Beauty Generation

Breeding: Road to Rock – Stylish Bel colt
Sale: 2014 Select Yearling Sale, $60,000
Vendor: Highden Park
Purchaser: Anthony Cummings / Hermes Syndications
Race Record: 41:20-6-7
Earnings: A$19,221,216
Hong Kong Horse of the Year 2017-18 & 2018-19, Head of 2019 WTR (Mile), Joint Head of 2018 WR (Mile), HK Champion Miler 2017-18, 2018-19 & 2019-20

Bred by Christchurch businessman Greg Tomlinson’s Nearco Stud whose mare Stylish Bel would win the 2019 Broodmare of the Year title, this colt was reared and presented by Libby and Sam Bleakley’s boutique thoroughbred nursery Highden Park at the 2014 National Yearling Sale. Anthony Cummings bought and syndicated the colt with the help of Hermes Syndications. Named Montaigne he entered training with Cummings who also headed the ownership syndicate. Not raced at two, he ran second on debut as a 3YO and recorded wins at Warwick Farm and Randwick. He placed third in the Gr.2 ATC Hobartville Stakes and second to Tarzino in the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas.

Sold to Hong Kong, under his new name Beauty Generation, it was in his new home where he made his mark, eventually earning a Lifetime Achievement Award. At four, he won second up, ran third in the Listed Hong Kong Classic Mile and third in the rich Hong Kong Derby, followed by another win. During each of the next three seasons, Beauty Generation would contest the same eight races held by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. As a 5YO, he won five of the eight, the Gr.3 Celebration Cup, Gr.2 Sha Tin Trophy, Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile, Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and the Gr.1 Champions Mile. He also ran third in the Gr.2 Jockey Club Mile. At six in 2018, he broke all Hong Kong records by going undefeated in those same eight races, the Gr.3 Celebration Cup, Gr.2 Sha Tin Trophy, Gr.2 Jockey Club Mile by three lengths, the Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile, Gr.1 Stewards Cup, Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and Gr.2 Chairman’s Trophy, before rounding out a blistering season with an easy defence of the Gr.1 Champions Mile.

At seven, he won three more times, and placed in the other five. He won his third Gr.3 Celebration Cup and after four placings won his third successive Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and second successive Gr.2 Chairman’s Trophy, the last of his wins. At eight he started three times for a second placing in the Gr.2 Celebration Cup. Beauty Generation was retired to Australia where he resides at Living Legends.

 

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Phar Lap

Breeding: Night Raid – Entreaty colt
Sale: 1928 National Yearling Sale, 160gns
Vendor: Seadown Stud
Purchaser: David J Davis
Race Record: 51:37-3-2
Earnings: £70,121
Australian Racing Hall of Fame 2001, NZ Racing Hall of Fame 2005

One of the most famous Sale graduates, Phar Lap started life on the Timaru stud farm of breeder Alexander Roberts on 4 October 1926. His breeder had imported the sire, Night Raid, from Australia and acquired the mare Entreaty at a Geraldine race meeting for £60 after an unplaced run. Roberts sent the big, ungainly, chestnut colt to the 1928 National Yearling Sale at Trentham. Battling ex-Kiwi Sydney-based trainer, Harry Telford had personal knowledge of the female side of Phar Lap’s pedigree and was convinced that the double up of Musket in his bloodlines warranted his brother Henry to inspect the colt. Harry Telford’s owner and backer, American David J. Davis, who had a china and cutlery importing business and a photography business, agreed to bankroll the purchase with a limit of 200 guineas. The colt was knocked down to Davis’s business associate Jack Sullings for 160 guineas. The official records show the purchaser as Mr A. J. Davidson, Sydney. 

Phar Lap arrived in Sydney, wart covered and in poor condition after a rough crossing of the Tasman and David Davis declined to be involved. Telford, unfazed, arranged to lease the horse from Davis for three years. His early races at two were remarkably unpromising but after four starts he eventually won at Rosehill. Another three starts at three were not encouraging but after two blacktype placings he reeled off four wins in succession: the STC Rosehill Guineas (Gr.1), AJC Derby (Gr.1), AJC Craven Plate (L) and VRC Derby (Gr.1), ending the spring with a third in the 1929 VRC Melbourne Cup (Gr.1) behind Nightmarch. The rampage continued in the autumn with a further nine wins.

His 4YO career was equally sublime, with a sequence of 14 wins including the MVRC WS Cox Plate (Gr.1), the VRC Melbourne Stakes (L), despite a failed shooting attempt, and a dominant win in the 1930 Melbourne Cup (Gr.1) carrying 9st12lb (62.5kg). As a spring 5YO, Phar Lap continued to dominate under the joint ownership of Davis and Telford. Phar Lap recorded another eight wins in succession with his final Australian start in the 1931 Melbourne Cup lumbered with 10st 10lbs (68kg), finishing a gallant eighth. Against Telford’s wishes, Davis sent Phar Lap to Mexico for the rich Agua Caliente Stakes (L) which he won. Tragedy struck sixteen days later when Phar Lap did not survive a serious bout of colic and died in strapper Tommy Woodcock’s arms. In a comparative flash of lightning, the life of Phar Lap whose exploits had thrilled two countries in the gloom of the Great Depression, was over.