Hot Demand on Day Two at Karaka 2020

Sparks continued to fly on Day Two of Karaka 2020, with the diverse international and local presence creating a strong and competitive middle market.

The figures closed with the average and median settling at $150,456 and $120,000 respectively, showing significant increases on last year’s Book 1 Sale. The clearance rate sits at 78% with the third and final day set to play out tomorrow.

“The Australians and Kiwis have undeniably made their presence felt – the stats speak for themselves in what has been a positive day for the New Zealand breeding industry,” said NZB’s Bloodstock Sales Manager Danny Rolston.

“This is the strongest middle market we have seen for some time, for the median to be as strong as this is a great endorsement of our product and a welcome reward for the support shown to us by our vendors.”

David Ellis cemented his position as the leading purchaser by aggregate after a spend of $5,585,000 for 21 horses, while leading country by spend was Australia purchasing 152 horses for a total of $22,322,500.

At the end of trading today, two out of three leading buyers were Australian-based Chis Waller and Guy Mulcaster spending $1,655,000 for five horses, with Peter Moody also active in the market securing four yearlings for $1,290,000.

Today’s highlight was the $875,000 purchase made by Te Akau titan David Ellis from the draft of Winsdor Park Stud. Lot 454, the Savabeel colt out of Bayrock is destined for the Te Akau Racing Stable.

The second highest-priced yearling was Lot 342 (Lonhro x Thames Court), a colt purchased for $675,000 by Coolmore Australia from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

Other features throughout the day included Lot 247 (I Am Invinvible x Sancerre), purchased by Te Akau Racing for $625,000 and Lot 241 (Tivaci x Ruqqaya) bought by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $500,000. Both Lots were secured from the draft of Trelawney Stud, leading vendor by average at $342,500 for eight horses sold.

At the end of Book 1 in 2019 there were 11 Lots that sold for $500,000 or more, while at the conclusion of Day Two at Karaka 2020 10 Lots have sold for over the same margin.

The top six leading sires by average (three or more sold) were Lonhro, American Pharoah, Savabeel, Pierro, Hinchinbrook and Reliable Man.

New Zealand-based first season sires continued to be popular amongst bidders, rounding off a successful day of Karaka 2020 in full swing.

Book 1 continues tomorrow from 11am with Lots 471-677. To make an offer on any Passed Lots at Karaka 2020 contact Kane Jones on 027 274 4985.

Catch the highlights from Day Two and relive all the action online here.

2020 Book 1 Yearling Sale Statistics – Day One & Two