NZ Bloodstock’s Select yearling sale returned increases in turnover, average and clearance when the third session concluded on Friday.

A total of 416 horses sold for $19.22 million (up 11%) at an average of $46,212 (up 7%) and a clearance rate of 75% (up 4 points) from last year.

The Sale saw 42 horses sell for over $100,000, 13 more than last year.  This year’s median price matched last year’s at $35,000.

A Savabeel colt from Redoute’s Choice mare Run Brony Run topped the overall sale at $200,000.  Offered by Goodwood Stud, he was purchased by NZB as agent for a Hong Kong buyer.   “He’s a very good type, he obviously has a lot of quality and has a very good walk and a good temperament, in fact I think he’s very much like Savabeel,” NZB’s International sales manager John Cameron said.

“I tried to buy in the Premier Sale and was unsuccessful but I’m delighted with this colt, he was well worth waiting for.  He will stay in New Zealand and get broken in and developed and then head to Hong Kong in May or June next year as an unraced horse.”

Hong Kong based Dan O’Donnell bought a Dylan Thomas colt out of Mon Beau Cheval for $190,000 from Windsor Park Stud.  The dam is a full-sister to Group 1 Australian Derby winner Nom du Jeu (Montjeu).

“Every so often there’s one with a little bit extra and he’s that horse,” commented O’Donnell.  “He has an individual personality, he is relaxed and moves very smoothly.

“Essentially, he has a stayers pedigree but with his dam being a Montjeu mare he should perform over shorter distances as Montjeu has an element of electricity to his offspring.  I purchased Blazing Speed who recently won the Stewards Cup in Hong Kong over 1600m and he is bred on the same cross as this colt.

“He will remain in New Zealand for two years and will be raced by Simon Kwok who oned Beauty Flash.”

Local buyers dominated the Select Sale with 54% of the turnover provided by New Zealanders.  Graeme & Debbie Rogerson bought 15 lots and the likes of Paul Moroney, Wexford Stables, Lisa Latta, Phil Cataldo, David Ellis, Bruce Perry and Garry Carvell were all very active throughout the three days.

Rich Hill Stud was the leading vendor by aggregate with 32 yearlings making $1.60 million.  Its first season sire Shocking topped the draft at $160,000 for Lot 837.  The leading vendor by average (with three or more sold) was White Robe Lodge with three yearlings at $86,667.

The one-day Festival Sale will conclude the 88th National yearling sale series on Sunday.