The third and final session of the NZ Bloodstock Select Sale on Friday continued the upward spiral during a week of highlights at Karaka.

An Elusive City colt from Generous mare Bella Mimosa topped Day 3 and the overall Select Sale when purchased for $250,000 by Danny O’Brien.  Offered by Haunui Farm, he is one of 15 yearlings bought by the Melbourne trainer over the first five days at Karaka.

The most impressive increase was the final Select Sale average which was up 40% to $52,346.  The final clearance rate settled at 78% which was a healthy increase on last year’s 74%.

Demonstrating the increased strength at the top of the Select Sale market, seven yearlings sold for $200,000 or more, compared with just one last year.

Prominent New Zealand owner David Ellis was the leading buyer of the Select Sale with 14 yearlings for $792,500.  Leading the sires’ averages was Elusive Quality with four sold at $122,500.  Hallmark Stud was the leading Select Sale vendor by average with 9 sold at $110,667.

NZ Bloodstock’s Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela said the impetus from Karaka’s spectacular Premier session has flowed through to the past three days.  “There were a host of Select Sale yearlings that might have made the Premier in years past so we knew the strength was there.  

“The Select Sale is growing year by year in its own right and the results are speaking for themselves.  More and more buyers are staying on for this session and the results are reflecting this growing competition.

“We hope that some of the momentum from this incredible week can flow into our Festival sessions on Sunday and Monday.”