Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium Unveiled

In honour of the late Sir Patrick Hogan, NZB Principal Sir Peter Vela paid tribute to Hogan and his profound influence on the thoroughbred industry, immediately prior to the opening of its Karaka 2023 National Yearling Sales Series on 29 January. 

In recognition of Hogan’s immense contribution and success, Sir Peter Vela announced the naming of the famed Karaka auction ring the Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium.

“In my lifetime there has been no greater influence on the New Zealand breeding industry than Sir Patrick,” commented Sir Peter Vela.

“A legendary stud master, breeder, racehorse owner, mentor to many and a truly devoted family man.”

“He achieved greatness in many aspects of his life but it was the sale ring that we will remember him at his best.”

“Sir Patrick produced an amazing record, achieved by an amazing man who provided me with incredible guidance and assistance. I was proud to call him a friend.”

“He made this auditorium his own and we are honoured to record his legacy by naming it the Sir Patrick Hogan Auditorium,” said Sir Peter Vela.

Sir Patrick Hogan left a long-lasting legacy at the National Yearling Sales Series. He revolutionised yearling sales with his marketing and hospitality.

With Sir Patrick at the helm, Cambridge Stud was leading vendor at New Zealand’s National Yearling Sales for 32 years in a row between 1981 and 2012.

In 1987 the yearling sales aggregate for the entire sale was $44,114,000. Of this, Cambridge stud accounted for $11,640,000 (26% of the total). Sir Tristram accounted for $9,457,000 alone.

Sir Patrick sold New Zealand’s first million dollar yearling in 1989 at Karaka, a Sir Tristram colt for $1.2 million.

At Karaka 2000, Sir Patrick Hogan’s Cambridge Stud set a record that still stands to this day. Their colt by Zabeel out of Diamond Lover was sold for an extraordinary $3.6m. Named Don Eduardo (NZ), he went on to win the Group One Australian Derby (2400m) and later stood at stud.

Overall, Sir Patrick Hogan sold 11 yearlings at Karaka for $1 million or more. Throughout Cambridge Stud’s 40 National Yearling Sales Series under Sir Patrick’s ownership, they came away with no fewer than 24 sale-toppers.