Karaka Sales done and dusted

Although today’s NZB Standardbred Sales in Karaka did not reach last year’s records, it was seen as a successful sale.

“I think you can say we had a good, solid day of trading,” said James Jennings, chief operating officer.

Last year, two lots sold for $360,000 and another for $240,000. This year the top lot sold for $220,000.

Jennings said it was great to see more Australian buyers in the market.

“The encouraging thing was to see some bands buying up. The Australians are up $500,000 on last year, which was a record sale. We know there are some Kiwi buyers who have been keeping their powder dry and may be waiting for Christchurch, so we look forward to seeing them become more active.”

The top lot was a Walner – Destinee Jenilou filly, presented on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms, which sold for $220,000 to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing Stables.

“She’s very athletic, a nice tall filly with a great head and a good eye. She ticked all the boxes,” Purdon said.

Her pedigree page is full of winners and this was a rare opportunity to buy the offspring of super stallion Walner, who is available for stud in America for $50,000.

“We’re getting better bloodlines. Yabby Dam Farms has been very supportive of yearling sales and we have some very nicely bred European-American trotters. I called a few trainers in America. They were quite informative about them and the fillies are doing quite well, so we chose her.”

The top lot was a Captaintreacherous – Adore Me colt presented by Woodlands Stud, which sold for $210,000 to Peter Lagan Bloodstock.

“There are not many (of this breed) in the ring. He is a full brother of Infamee and a completely different type, so we didn’t know what to expect this year,” said Paul Kenny of Woodland Stud.

Paul and Mary Kenny were also on the buyer’s bench, purchasing a Sweet Lou – Rocknroll Roulette filly for $190,000.

“She was a sweet filly. Mary told me to stop three times, so I was in the dog box for a while,” Paul said.

Canterbury trainer Cran Dalgety was active in the market and bought nine yearlings, including a full brother of trotting star Just Believe.

“I paid $50,000 for him. I thought I had to pay a little more,” he said.

This is a big change for Kentuckiana Lodge, which primarily trains and races pacers.

“In Christchurch or the South Island, four out of 10 races are harness racing and sometimes four or five in the North Island. Those are races that I can’t win every meeting. I have to be in the equation and cover both fields.”

Dalgety has already pre-sold some shares in his young stock, but is holding an open day on Saturday to encourage more owners to buy some of his new faces.

“We just have a lot of product available. I find there’s a big market for the smaller percentage of buyers, so I want to cover that. Everyone has a budget and we want everyone to join in the fun of racing.”

$100,000 plus lots were:

• Walner – Destinee Jenilou filly presented by Hollis and Robertson Equine Services on behalf of Yabby Dam Farms sold for $220,000 to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing Stables.
• Captaintreacherous – Adore Me colt presented by Woodlands Stud sold for $210,000 to Peter Lagan Bloodstock.
• Bettor’s Delight – First Class Lady colt sold to Kevin and Kay Seymour of Solid Earth Pty Limited for $200,000.
• Sweet Lou – Rocknroll Roulette filly collected $190,000 and was sold to Paul and Mary Kenny of Charles Joseph Limited.
• Sweet Lou – Enjoy Me colt by Breckon Farms sold for $170,000 to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing Stables.
• Walner – Hopeful Beauty colt from Yabby Dam Farms sold to Kyvalley Racing $150,000.
• Captaintreacherous – Ella Mac colt presented by Breckon Farms sold to Peter Lagan Bloodstock for $140,000.
• King Of Swing – Gladamare colt from the Breckon Farms draw sold for what $140,000 to Lincoln Farms Bloodstock.
• Sweet Lou – Lacy Linda colt presented by Breckon Farms was sold to Phil and Glenys Kennard $140,000.
• Bettor’s Delight – Always For You colt by Highview Bloodstock sold to Kentuckiana Lodge for $140,000.
• Father Patrick – Luby Lou colt from Breckon Farms sold for $120,000 to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing Stables.
• Sweet Lou – She’s All Class sold to Stonewall Stud $115,000.
• Captaintreacherous – A Bettor You filly by Breckon Farms was also sold to Kentuckiana Lodge $100,000.
• What The Hill – Love Ya Dossie filly by Breckon Farms sold $100,000 to Stonewall Stud.
• Bettor’s Delight – Miss Graceful colt from Woodlands Stud sold to Kentuckiana Lodge for $100,000.

View Auckland session results here.

Check out the highlights of the Auckland session and piece by piece images here

Yearling sales statistics below

Through Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink