Richards Momentum Builds Following Karaka 2026

Karaka 2026 marked the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and it was one for the record books.  

The new sale format saw several records being surpassed and increases across all key sale indicators, showcasing the continued demand for New Zealand-bred and prepared horses.

Hong Kong buyers featured strongly in the market, spending over $8 million across the three sessions.

Among them was expat Kiwi Jamie Richards, who not long after a trip back to his homeland, the now HKJC trainer picked up his 100th win with Jubilant Winner, a son of Capitalist, who began his early education in New Zealand.

Purchasing six yearlings at Karaka 2026 in conjunction with Andrew Williams, Richards was delighted to return home for the centenary sale.

“I was very happy to get home to support the 100th National Yearling Sale, and there were some quality horses on offer.”

“Back in the Te Akau days, I would be selecting them to get up and go early, whereas here in Hong Kong they are four, five-year-olds, so I’ve changed my strategy to suit.

“I thought we bought some nice horses at good value by proven sires out of nice fast mares, that had size and scope to them,’’ he added.

“They’ve all gone back to my family in Matamata, where they will start their early education.”

“It’s a long game buying yearlings for Hong Kong, but we’ve had good success doing it with the likes of Cool Boy (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Bulb General (NZ) (Embellish).

“Hopefully, they can all filter into the system over the next 18 months, but I think we bought really well.”  

NZB’s attention now turns to the upcoming National Online Yearling Sale and National Weanling Sale. While the much-anticipated Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs is confirmed to take place at Karaka on 18 & 19 November 2026.

- NZB for Hong Kong's Racing World, March Edition