Renowned Families at Centre of Karaka May Sale

Media Release - Tuesday May 7

Some of New Zealand's most influential and established families feature throughout the 240-lot catalogue at New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka May Sale, with quality young stock, racing stock and breeding stock set to go under the hammer on 17 May.

Weanling Session

Jon SnowAlthough Richard Moore's breeding operation has decreased in size from what it was 15 years ago, the 'Moore' family which traces back to his 1950's taproot mare Gabardine(NZ) (Gabador) still has the ability to produce quality racehorses.

The most current horse from this family is Group One Australian Derby winner Jon Snow(NZ) (Iffraaj).Lots 34 and 94, both consigned by Haunui Farm, come from this family which features the great mare Soliloquy as their fourth and third dams respectively.

Blue hen mareEight Carat(Pieces of Eight) had an extensive impact in the southern hemisphere having produced five Group One winners during her breeding career.

Revolutionary breeder and preparer Sir Patrick Hogan started this renowned family and although he handed over the keys to Cambridge Stud in 2018, he remains very passionate.

Eight Carat's influence extends to several generations now with recent stakes winnersHumidor(Teofilo) andCyber Attack(Shamexpress).Lots 48and76, offered by Curraghmore and Brighthill Farm respectively, descend back toHabibti(Habitat) who is a half-sister to Eight Carat.

Outstanding horseman Tim Douglas established the Douglas galloping dynasty known as the 'Heights' family and raced many of them himself. The matriarch of the famous family isWuthering Heights(NZ) (Avocat General) who produced some of the best horses in Australasia of that era, including granddaughter and Champion 3YO Filly in New ZealandNoble Heights(NZ) (Sir Tristram).

Cambria Park'sLot 59is a direct descendant from Noble Heights.

Tony, Ray, Martin and Joe are the identity of the Dennis brothers, and together they concede their family's passion for racing. The iconic 'The' family over many years has produced 43 stakes performers, and three New Zealand Broodmares of the Year, with horses such asThe Jewel(NZ) (O'Reilly),The Phantom(NZ) (Noble Bijou) and more recentlyThe Chosen One(NZ) (Savabeel).

Advertisement

Westbury Stud will offerLot 90who is from the top producing family and is a half-brother to current Group One New Zealand One Thousand Guineas winnerLa Bella Diosa(NZ) (So You Think).

Broodmare Session

Melody BelleJames and Annie Sarten started the 'Belle' family back in 1939 with their first mareBelle Fox(NZ) (Foxbridge). Now daughter Marie Leicester provides an interesting insight into the well-known family with current six-time Group One winner Melody Belle(NZ) (Commands).

Haunui Farm have catalogued winning Danzero mareBelle Fleur(NZ) (Danzero) atLot 234. She is a granddaughter of New Zealand Filly of the YearTri Belle(NZ) (Sir Tristram) who descends back to Belle Fox. Belle Fleur, from the wonderful filly family, has been served by Proisir.

Pencarrow Stud's five foundation mares included the English importCountry Charm(Northfields). The Vela family then bred outstanding race mareRiverina Charm(NZ) (Sir Tristram), who won Group One Guineas features in New Zealand and Australia, as well as her stakes-winning daughterSarwatch(NZ) (Jetball).

Five broodmares consigned by Pencarrow Stud are from this family, includingFontelina(NZ) (Pins) served by Burgundy (Lot 183),Philosophical(NZ) (Darci Brahma) served by Ocean Park (Lot 207),Promises(NZ) (Keeper) served by Burgundy (Lot 211),Skywards(NZ) (O'Reilly) served by Vadamos (Lot 219) andStargazing(NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) served by Burgundy (Lot 223).

Pencarrow Stud will also offer winning Zabeel marePomellato(NZ) atLot 209. Served by Mongolian Khan, she is from the great Eight Carat family.

New Zealand mares are well-known for playing a leading role on the racetrack and in the breeding barn, being the dams of this year's Group One winnersWinx(Street Cry x Vegas Showgirl),Verry Elleegant(NZ) (Zed x Opulence),Brutal(NZ) (O'Reilly x Alberton Princess) andDixie Blossoms(Street Sense x Whistle Dixie) to name just a few, but they're also featuring in the sale-ring as re-sale values soar and international buyers look to invest into the matriarchal strength.

Collect your catalogue now to research your next pinhooking, breeding, racing and investment ventures. View the catalogue onlinehere, request a printed catalogue onlinehere, or contact reception on +64 9 298 0055 orreception@nzb.co.nz.

Advertisment
More Reading...
FBAA Professional Development Day- Food for Thought
The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia’s third Continued Professional Development Day was again held at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday 8th April 2025 and was hosted by MC Vin Cox.
Te Akau Purchase $1million Snitzel Colt From Kiwi Bred Mare
Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis was once again to the fore in the sales ring this week, but this time at Inglis’ Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney.
Trelawney Trio Shine at Inglis Easter
Trelawney Stud were quietly confident they had taken the right trio of yearlings across to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney this week and that was reflected with some outstanding results. 
Geese That Lay Golden Eggs – What’s in the Future?
The 2025 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale was highlighted by 25 yearlings that sold for $1million or more which was seven more than last year when 18 were in the millionaires club following on from 26 in 2023.
One to Watch – Kembla
The juvenile maiden at Kembla on Tuesday was an intriguing affair featuring a number of well-bred and very expensive colts on debut, but the winner was a stylish first starter filly by Capitalist that broke 56 seconds for her debut win.
Arrowfield Announce 2025 Fees
In the wake of his third Golden Slipper winner and his career-best yearling sale results, multiple Champion Sire Snitzel heads the 2025 Arrowfield stallion roster at an unchanged fee of $247,500, while Castelvecchio has earned a deserved fee increase.
Who Do You Pick? Star Mares of Tomorrow
In chatting with our guest Jim Clarke this week on our Tara Talks Racing podcast we discussed a topic that will no doubt spark plenty of interest from our audience, if you could have one three year-old filly to take forward and race next season at four, who would it be?
Inglis Easter Pinhook Winners - See the Full List
With a super strong market at Inglis Easter this week it was no surprise to see some very successful pinhook results and the best of them was a handsome chestnut colt from the first crop of Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside that sold for $650,000.
Kiwi Sprint Star Crocetti Arrives in Perth
Kiwi Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti has landed in Perth ahead of next week’s A$5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse.
Belclare Seeking to Find Best Form Back in Australia
Dual Group One winner Belclare’s return home for a three-race campaign didn’t go to plan earlier this year, and now she is back on the other side of the Tasman to try and get her preparation back on track.