The NZB Karaka Select Sale posted massive increases at the end of three sessions on Friday.

With 456 horses sold, 65 more than last year, the Select Sale aggregate increased 44% to $26.32 million.  The average price rose 23% to $57,734 and the clearance rate went up 4 points to 79%.

This year’s figures are the second best on record behind those set during the historic 2008 National Yearling Sales Series.

“We were confident we could have a good Select Sale off the back of a superb Premier Sale but these results have been better than we ever imagined,” NZB’s managing director Andrew Seabrook said.  “A true reflection of its strength is the fact that the median was higher than last year’s average.

“It was great to see a huge Australian presence; they have spent more money at the Select Sale than they have in a long time.  New Zealand thoroughbreds have enjoyed a stellar 12 months on the racetrack and this week’s success is due reward for breeders.”

Top price over the three sessions was a $300,000 O’Reilly – Darcey Bussell (Rhythm) colt from Valachi Downs that was purchased by Graeme Rogerson.   “He’s a natural and a magnificent individual,” Rogerson said.  “I’ve seen him a number of times and I think this farm breed a wonderful horse.  I rate him as good a horse that I have seen at this Select Sale.”

The leading sire by average with three or more sold at the Select Sale was Savabeel with nine horses sold at an average of $101,667.  The Waikato Stud sire finished just ahead of Showcasing who had 10 horses sell at an average of $98,850.

Reliable Man continued his stellar week, finishing the Select Sale as the leading first season sire with 24 horses selling at an average of $74,042.

The leading vendor by aggregate at the Select Sale was Westbury Stud with 31 horses selling for an aggregate of $2.39 million.  Valachi Downs sold all nine of its horses catalogued at an average of $108,722 to be the leading vendor by average with three or more horses sold.