The NZB National Foal Sale concluded on Tuesday with phenomenal results across the board at Karaka.

Turnover reached $5.74 million over two sessions with 238 lots changing hands at a 91% clearance rate.  The average jumped 90% to $24,119 with an O’Reilly – Mexican Rose colt commanding top price of $185,000.

Consigned by Hallmark Stud (as agent), the colt was secured by Dean Hawthorne bidding on behalf of Kacy Fogden of Queensland-based Aquis Farm.  “Kacy came over and picked him out as the best colt in the sale and I think she was right on the money – he’s a good investment,” Hawthorne said.  “This is one of the strongest weanling sales I’ve seen and it’s good to see the filly market also slowly improving.”

In-form sire Tavistock dominated with 5 sales on the Top 10 leader-board.  Top-price of $180,000 was paid by Ascot Farm and Ampulla Lodge for the colt from Once More (Thorn Park).

Further strengthening Hawthorne’s statement about the demand for fillies was the Cape Blanco half-sister to Group 1 winner Turn Me Loose (Iffraaj) fetching $150,000.

NZ Bloodstock managing director Andrew Seabrook is confident the positive results will continue to flow on.  “It’s clear our industry is in an upward spiral,” he said.  “I expect this will be the tone for some time.”

TOP FOAL
O’Reilly colt pin-hooked by Queensland’s Aquis Farm for $185,000