Monday, 5th October 2026
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A compact catalogue still generated a strong commercial statement at Karaka on Thursday, with NZB’s 2026 National Weanling Sale posting sharp gains across the board and highlighting the depth of demand for young stock from both domestic and international buyers. According to nzb.co.nz, from 143 lots catalogued, 102 weanlings changed hands for an aggregate of $3,593,000, a 49 percent lift on the previous year, while the average rose 23 percent to $35,255 and the clearance rate reached an impressive 89 percent. According to nzb.co.nz, buyers from New Zealand, Australia, China, Hong Kong and Japan contributed to a competitive bench, and the day’s headline act arrived early when Lot 3, a chestnut colt from the first crop of Chaldean, was knocked down to Mike Fleming of Bhima for $250,000. Offered by Haunui Farm, the colt is out of Novashow and quickly found favour with the major Australian operation. “I bought a couple here a few years ago and I’m always happy to come over for the right horse that’s forward and well-moving,” Fleming said. “This colt’s a lovely horse. I came in yesterday, and with the rain I didn’t get out so I waited until this morning. He was right at the top of my list.” Fleming said the price was no surprise given how the colt measured up against the catalogue, adding that once bidding reached $200,000, the Australian dollar conversion naturally came into mind. “In the end he probably landed at about $200,000 Aussie,” he said. The second-highest price came late when Western Australia’s Byerley Bloodstock secured Lot 141, a Paddington colt from Seaton Park and a half-brother to Group One winner Lion’s Roar, for $190,000. Paul Pertab finished as leading buyer, signing for three lots at a total of $310,000, headed by Lot 16, a Super Seth colt out of Popular purchased for $180,000. Super Seth was the session’s leading sire, with eight weanlings selling at an average of $120,625, including two that reached $180,000. Waikato Stud topped the vendor standings by both aggregate and average, selling nine lots for $704,500 at an average of $78,278. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the results were a positive pointer towards the Ready to Run and National Yearling Sale, while noting that the first-season sires were particularly well received. “The first season sires all sold very well, and the only disappointment was that we didn’t have enough horses to sell,” he said. Seabrook hopes breeders take confidence from the figures and support a larger catalogue next year, with all weanlings offered eligible for nomination to the Karaka Millions Series. NZB’s attention now turns to the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus before the Ready to Run Sale returns to Karaka in November.
