The countdown to next month’s 2024 National Weanling Sale is underway, with a quality catalogue of 150 youngsters now available to view online.
Set to be held on Thursday 20 June at Karaka, the Sale offers an enticing opportunity for both pinhookers and end users to secure quality stock, with the session a proven source of racetrack and investment success.
Group One winners Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) and Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) were all purchased as weanlings from Karaka for no more than $15,000. While Karaka Millions hero Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) was also initially purchased from the Sale for $50,000 before being reoffered at Karaka later that year and realising $125,000.
Buyers will have access to secure the same potential performers with the progeny of established sires Proisir, Savabeel, Almanzor, Per Incanto, Sweynesse and Shocking on offer, along with the final foals of champion sire Darci Brahma.
Emerging sires including Super Seth, Ace High, Ardrossan, Satono Aladdin, U S Navy Flag, Hello Youmzain, Circus Maximus, and King of Comedy are well represented in the catalogue. While first season sires are strongly featured – with sons or daughters of Sword of State, Noverre, Armory, The Chosen One, St Mark’s Basilica and Wooded due to make their first appearance in the sales ring.
There is plenty of quality on the dams’ side as well, featuring the progeny of 15 stakes-performing mares and 20 siblings to stakes-performers, with names such as Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir), Holymanz (NZ) (Almanzor), Honorable Spirit (Charm Spirit), Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock), Whimsical (NZ) (Savabeel) and more noted among the pedigrees.
Following the recent developments of the boosted Karaka Millions Series and raft of positivity in the domestic racing industry, NZB’s Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones is looking forward to the boutique sale.
“We are pleased with the catalogue assembled and expect keen interest and participation from pinhookers, traders and end-users alike, especially given the feeling of the industry right now.”
“There is healthy demand for our New Zealand product, given the incredible racetrack success throughout Australasia and further afield in recent seasons.
“The quality and strength of our local proven stallions is as buoyant as ever and the market is eagerly anticipating the first opportunity to purchase progeny of exciting local freshman sires Armory, Noverre, Sword Of State and The Chosen One.
“There is certainly something for everybody and the Karaka Millions eligibility is a big bonus,” he added.
All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the new $1m Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand.
Selling is set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 11am (NZT) on Thursday 20 June.
