Expectations Exceeded on Day One of Karaka Ready to Run

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale cemented its unrivalled position in the two-year-old sale market with strong international and domestic buying benches represented on the opening day of the Sale. 

Day One saw NZB unveil their new online bidding platform, with the robust technology proving successful after a strong day of international purchases secured.

Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was thrilled with the reception of NZB’s new digital platform.

“We were cautiously optimistic heading into today, although the response to our online bidding platform has exceeded our expectations.”

“45% of today’s total turnover was secured from our international buyers using the platform, with Hong Kong leading the way and strong participation from Australia and Macau,” he said.

The top lot of Day One was purchased by Graham Richardson on behalf of a Hong Kong client in Lot 54, a Sacred Falls colt out of Savabeel Star for $525,000 from Riversley Park.

Sale-topper - the Sacred Falls colt from Savabeel Star.

Richardson also bought Lot 32, a Headwater colt out of Raischek for $300,000 from Regal Farm and was pleased with the purchases made on his client’s behalf.

“I purchased them for a very loyal client in Hong Kong, I’m absolutely chuffed for NZB and the vendors.”

“There is always something for everybody at the Ready to Run Sale, I’ve been buying horses at this Sale for years and have had a lot of luck,” he added.  

Travel restrictions had little impact on the activity of NZB’s international clients, with dynamic duo Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young purchasing the second top lot of the day.

They secured Lot 3, a Savabeel colt out of On Broadway for $400,000 from Ohukia Lodge.

“We are very pleased with him, that is what you expect to pay for those sort of horses and we are very happy to end up with him,” Busuttin said.

“He was basically the whole package, was a quality yearling and a lot of work has been done with him.

“He certainly showed he could breeze up and we are a big fan of the Savabeel’s because they continue to get the job done.”

Busuttin and Young purchased four lots in total on day one of the Sale, including Lot 95, a Dundeel colt out of Tralee Chorus for $220,000 from Ohukia Lodge.

The third top lot of the day was secured by New Zealand owner Gary Harding, a Not a Single Doubt colt out of O'Naturelle (Lot 2) for $320,000 from Jamieson Park.

Bloodstock Sales Manager Danny Rolston was pleased with both the domestic and international participation throughout the day.

“We have done a lot of ground work and preparation, particularly engaging with our international buyers.”

“We also know that our New Zealand-based agents have been increasingly busy inspecting on behalf of those who have been unable to attend the Sale and we would like to commend them for their extra efforts.”

“It was great to see the Hong Kong market active, purchasing just shy of $3,000,000 today and we are looking forward to another successful day of selling tomorrow.”

Selling at the second day of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale will commence tomorrow from 1PM (NZT) at Karaka, with all the live action aired on Freeview channel 200 in New Zealand, online at nzb.co.nz, livestreamed on NZB’s Facebook page and highlights streamed on Sky Racing and racing.com in Australia. View Sale day highlights and lot-by-lot footage here. 

To make enquiries about any Passed Lots  contact Kane Jones +64 27 274 4985.

2020 Ready to Run Sale Statistics – Day One