Quality Stock Secured at Digital South Island Sale

Moving into uncharted territory, New Zealand Bloodstock’s annual South Island Sale saw its first-ever online session conclude on Gavelhouse Plus on Sunday 7 June.

Prominent agent Phill Cataldo was busy throughout the Sale, investing in four yearlings including the top-priced lot early on in the session.

Purchased on behalf of an Australian buyer, the Reliable Man filly out of Lady Zafira (Lot 2) was secured for $58,500 from the draft of Canterbury-based Ripple Creek.

“She is a very well-grown, strong and athletic filly,” commented Cataldo.

“I like Reliable Man… I was involved with the purchase of Kinane (NZ) (Reliable Man) at the 2018 Ready to Run Sale.

Ripple Creek’s Trent Yesberg was pleased with the outcome of the filly.

“We are really happy with result. She was a quality and correct filly and really well put together.

“Being able to sell her later on really did her justice.”

Yesberg was realistic about the first-ever online Sale on Gavelhouse Plus.

“Right now is a tough time in the market.

“I think that online sales are a great initiative and it’s definitely going to have more of a place in the market morning forward.

The second-highest purchase was $42,000 for Lot 19, a colt by Burgundy out of Precious.

The half-brother to fellow South Island Sale graduate and dual stakes performer Upscale (NZ) caught the attention of Ben Kwok who has quickly become a major player in the New Zealand breeding and racing industry.

The colt was bred by Canterbury breeder Susan Walker from her Park Hill Stables draft.

An Iffraaj filly by Flame of Lanka (Lot 61) took out the third highest-priced title. She was purchased for $35,000 by Phill Cataldo from Beaufort Downs’ draft.

Lot 48, a Reliable Man colt out of Canyon Yodeler was secured by Otaki trainer Johno Benner for $31,000 from the draft of Haunui Farm.

Phill Cataldo secured Lot 10, a Zacinto colt out of Muffin Coup for $30,000 from Inglewood Stud.

“He is going to trial and race with the idea of turning him over to Hong Kong eventually at some stage.

“I thought he was standout colt of the sale,” said Cataldo.

Gus Wigley from Inglewood Stud was satisfied with the results he secured from two Zacinto colts.

“We earned good prices for the two colts, we were pleased with that and they’re moving on to good buyers.

“I think the prices are similar to what we would have received had there been a physical sale, so we are happy with our results.

“Overall it was a mixed sale and I know that it wasn’t easy for everyone.

“I think NZB did a great job for a first-go at the online format, especially given the current economic climate,” commented Wigley.

NZB Sales Representative Regan Donnison was appreciative of the backing from South Island Sale vendors. 

“The support and commitment we received from the vendors towards the Sale was outstanding.

“They have done a great job at giving prospective buyers the best possible information and their efforts shouldn’t go unrecognised.

“We are also very thankful for all those who registered to bid, their participation was well received,” said Donnison.

All unbroken yearlings sold at this Sale are eligible to be nominated for the Karaka Million Series. The Series features two $1 million races – the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m), in addition to the $100,000 CollinsonForex Karaka Cup (2200m), which graduates can contest for the duration of their career.

To make enquires about any Passed Lots contact Regan Donnison on +64 21 512 466 or email regan.donnison@nzb.co.nz.

To view the full 2020 South Island Sale results click here.

2020 South Island Sale Statistics