The two-day NZB Ready to Run 2YO Sale has concluded with a records for turnover, average and median.

Trade reached $17.85 million with the average rising 2% to $72,865.  The median of $48,000 was 7% up on last year while the clearance rate dropped 5 points to 72%.

Demonstrating the strength at the top of the market this year, 21 horses were secured for $200,000 or more versus 18 at last year’s record sale.

The highlight of the Sale came with Sydney-based bloodstock agent James Harron securing the Fastnet Rock – Oraia (Stravinsky) colt for $480,000.  That’s second highest price recorded at a NZ Ready to Run Sale following stakes winner St Culpe (Rock of Gibraltar) who sold for $500,000 in 2007.

Harron confirmed the colt will be trained by Gai Waterhouse for Edmund Bateman who raced G1 winner Foxwedge (Fastnet Rock).  “He’s a fantastic type and has a speed pedigree,” commented Harron.  “NZ Bloodstock does a great job here every year and the results give you confidence to be stronger in the ring.”

The second highest price came for an Encosta de Lago colt purchased by John Foote Bloodstock for Hong Kong based trainer David Hall.  “This Sale is very popular in Hong Kong due the results it has been getting up there,” Hall commented. “ Asian owners like to buy these horses that are more advanced than yearlings as it fast tracks the whole process to get them up to Hong Kong sooner.”

Hong Kong buyers have been a notable presence at Karaka, securing 8 of the Top 20 lots of the Sale and trainers Michael Chang, Ricky Yiu and Dennis Yip featuring in the Top 10 buyers.

Australian buyers have again been the most dominant presence spending in excess of $5.30 million on more than 60 horses.

The leading buyer for the Sale was Singapore-based trainer Michael Freedman, buying in conjunction with local bloodstock agent Michael Wallace.  Together the purchased 10 horses for $1.24 million with top price of $175,000 being paid for the Darci Brahma – Lacango colt.

Fastnet Rock topped the sire averages with five changing hands at an average of $268,000.  Lyndhurst Farm was the leading vendor for the sixth year in a row with 19 horses sold for $3.30 million at an average just over $174,000.  Their top priced lot was the Exceed and Excel – Pas de Deux colt fetching $350,000 to the bid of Hong Kong trainer Me Tsui.

“The Sale was very much in last year’s mould,” Lyndhurst’s Mark Treweek said.  “The first day was a bit tough as some buyers sat on their hands to see how the market would go but the second was definitely a lot stronger and buyers were very active, especially on the right horses.  I think overall it was a fantastic Sale.”

NZ Bloodstock co-managing director Petrea Vela was very pleased with this year’s Sale.  “Day 2 always seems to step up another gear and we saw that again today.  The clearance, average and median all increased on yesterday, and to have posted new records certainly exceeds our expectations.

“The buying bench was no doubt the highlight – the consistent success from the Sale throughout Australasia and Asia is proving such a good advertisement for the merits of buying here and we’re thrilled with the support the Sale has received. We hope that buyers are very well-rewarded by their purchases.

“These results should give pin-hookers a lot of confidence heading into the 2013 yearling sales.  This has developed into a very robust market for New Zealand and as the quality of the offering continues to improve it can only be positive for the future of the Sale.”

DAY 2 – TOP 10 LEADER-BOARD

C  Fastnet Rock / Oraia     Mana Park     James Harron B/s     $480,000
C  Encosta de Lago / Note of Desire     Anzac Lodge     John Foote B/s     $360,000
C  High Chaparral / Tycoon’s Gold     Esker Lodge     Bahen B/s     $350,000
C  Exceed and Excel / Pas de Deux     Lyndhurst Farm     Me Tsui     $350,000
C  Fastnet Rock / Plastic Lady     Lyndhurst Farm    NZB as agent     $300,000

C  O’Reilly / Star Affair     Bradbury Park    Australian B/s    $300,000
C  Encosta de Lago / Mrs. Squillionaire     Lyndhurst Farm     Michael Chang     $280,000
C  Thorn Park / On the Board     Diamond Lodge    Manfred Man     $270,000
C  Testa Rossa / Wednesday Rocks     Diamond Lodge     NZB as agent     $250,000
C  Written Tycoon / Wild Release      Lyndhurst Farm     Michael Chang     $250,000

FASTNET ROCK
Champion sire topped the NZB Ready to Run 2YO Sale
with this colt that cost $480,000 at Karaka