Trade on Day 1 of NZ Bloodstock’s Select yearling sale held up strongly against last year’s results.  

A total of 139 lots changed hands for $7.20 million at an average of $51,856 at Karaka.  That’s less than 1% below the final Select Sale average from 2010.

An Iffraaj filly fetched top price of $290,000 to the bid of New Zealand trainer Roger James on Wednesday.  She was offered by Trelawney Stud and is from Zabeel mare Sayyida who James trained to wins at Matamata and Tauranga.

Haunui Farm shuttler Iffraaj (Zafonic) also featured prominently at the Premier Sale as the leading first season sire with 16 yearlings averaging $87,656.

The leading Select Sale buyer on Day 1 was Willie Leung’s Magus Equine with 6 yearlings for $630,000.  Top of the dial was a Holy Roman Emperor colt for $185,000.

“The Holy Roman Emperor colt is a nice type,” Leung said.  “He might need a bit more time but I think he will be a good miler.  The sire is doing very well in Europe.”

Leung purchased three yearlings during the Premier Sale including a Shamardal colt for $250,000.  He’s a regular visitor to New Zealand and topped the NZB 2YO Ready to Run Sale in November when paying $340,000 for a Fusaichi Pegasus colt.

NZB Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela says the demand has remained strong for desirable lots.  “Buyers are reporting that the market is still very competitive with quality lots still tough to buy.  A few more local buyers have made their presence felt which is encouraging, but there are also a number of international buyers who have stayed on from the Premier Sale hoping to find some value.”

The NZB National Sale will continue on Thursday with the second of three Select Sale sessions followed by two sessions of the Festival Sale.