Valachi Downs proving popular at Karaka

Media Release - Thursday June 16

It has been non-stop for the staff of Valachi Downs at Karaka this week as they prepare to offer a quality line-up of young stock in their dispersal sale at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale on Friday,

“It is quite unbelievable. I now know what it feels like to bring a yearling draft to a weanling sale, and they have been accordingly popular,” Valachi Downs General Manager Gareth Downey said.

“It has been hectic, which is exactly what we wanted. It has been touch and go to make it work, but we have made it work.

“We have brought what we think are our 20 most commercial weanlings. There is not a poor horse amongst them. They are very appealing.

“You look at the sire line-up and it is made up significantly of US Navy Flag and Ten Sovereigns progeny. They have been really well received.”

While a large portion of their draft is made up of their former shuttle stallions, Downey said they are also offering some quality stock by established sires.

Lot 1005, Savabeel colt from Bohemian Lily.

“We have got two Savabeels, with the clear standout being the Savabeel x Bohemian Lily colt (lot 1005),” Downey said.

“I think there is no doubt that he will be our sale topper and he should make really good money.

“As a yearling he would have made really good money and should be well-received by end users. If it doesn’t quite make that money, he is still a great pin-hooking opportunity.

“There is a Savabeel filly out of Quest (lot 1018), who is a very nice filly.

“There is also a stunning Almanzor filly out of Sister Celeste (lot 1019).”

Advertisement

Downey said he is looking forward to offering stock by U S Navy Flag and Ten Soverigns in what will be his last physical sale at the helm of Valachi Downs.

“U S Navy Flag was very satisfying to stand. We loved him and we had him for two seasons at Valachi,” Downey said.

“We were very keen to see him come back to New Zealand (and stand at The Oaks Stud). I think it was important that he didn’t get lost.

“It was a real shame that Ten Sovereigns did get lost to New Zealand. I think we will end up regretting that.

“What we have seen in the progeny of U S Navy Flag we have loved and they are now at the breakers and with trainers in the early stages. We have received positive feedback.

“The way they are running in the northern hemisphere is extremely encouraging. He continues to tick all of the boxes.

“Ten Sovereigns and U S Navy Flag have such a similar profile and Ten Sovereigns arrived at a difficult economic time. He didn’t get the size of book that he deserved, but we have been impressed by his foals.

“He himself is a wonderful, physical animal, and he has left a line of really nice physical foals.”

Later this month, Valachi Downs will continue their dispersal, through their Gavelhouse Plus broodmare sale.

Click to view Valachi Downs Unreserved Broodmare Dispersal Catalogue

Advertisment
More Reading...
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
First Win for $2.1million Magic Millions Sale-Topper
It was a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at Te Aroha on Wednesday when Avantaggia, the filly that topped the 2024 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, broke through for her maiden win in the Donaghys Moxipor (1150m).
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G1 Champions Mile Next for Ceolwulf
Trainer Joe Pride will likely keep stable star Ceolwulf to a mile as he looks to round off his spring campaign with a first trip away.
End Of An Era - 2025 G1 Cox Plate
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still” - Franklin D Roosevelt.
Inglis Digital - Darby Swoop on Amazing Eagle for $310,000
Scott Darby believes today’s Inglis Digital sale-topper Amazing Eagle (Capitalist) can continue along the same successful mould as the likes of former online Darby acquisitions Robusto, Caballus and Imperial Force and progress on to become a future racetrack star.
Autumn Boy Half-Sister for Inglis Digital
A winning half sister to last weekend’s G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy and a host of other interesting racing prospects headline a diverse catalogue for the Inglis Digital October (Late) Online Sale.
Consistency Key On Day One of 2025 Breeze Ups
After the rescheduling of dates for NZB’s anticipated 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups, Day One kicked off on Monday at Te Rapa Racecourse with consistent times, weather and track conditions.
NZB Ready to Run Breeze Ups Complete for 2025
The final day of NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups saw a further 202 two-year-olds gallop down the home straight at Te Rapa Racecourse.