New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale will be remembered not only for the milestone it marked, but for the emphatic statement it made about the strength and international standing of the New Zealand breeding industry.

Across Book 1 and Book 2, Karaka produced record-breaking results, validating a revised sale format and generating momentum across all sectors of the market.

Book 1 Sets a New Benchmark

The opening two days of selling produced an outstanding outcome, with Book 1 achieving total sales of more than $79 million. That figure represented a $3.6 million increase on last year, despite a catalogue reduced by 94 yearlings.

Key indicators all moved sharply upward. The average climbed to a record $187,257, a 14% rise year-on-year, while the median surged 27% to a record $140,000. A clearance rate of 81% underlined the depth of demand.

NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the decision to condense Book 1 from three days to two had been fully vindicated.

Cambridge Stud fittingly dominated the centenary session, claiming the Leading Vendor title and offering the Sale-topper. Lot 513, a colt by emerging sire Sword of State and a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Ceolwulf (NZ), was secured for $1.1 million by Mr Sanxiong Gao and Ciaron Maher Racing.

Cambridge Stud concluded Book 1 having sold 50 yearlings for $10,640,000, reinforcing both its scale and influence.

On the buying front, Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis once again asserted his presence, claiming the Leading Buyer title for the 18th time at the National Yearling Sale. Ellis confirmed 18 purchases during the session and described the Sale as a timely lift for the local industry.

Among sires, Darley’s freshman stallion Anamoe led the way, selling six yearlings at an average of $487,500. Sword of State further enhanced his reputation, averaging $260,250 across 20 lots.

Book 2 Breaks New Ground

The momentum carried seamlessly into Book 2, where a condensed catalogue produced unprecedented results. A total of 188 yearlings sold for $12,247,000, eclipsing all previous Book 2 records.

The average climbed 80% to $65,144, the median jumped 124% to $60,000, and the clearance rate settled at a strong 76%.

International buying power was again a defining factor, with Australian spending more than doubling compared to the same session last year. Domestic participation was also notably stronger.

The Book 2 Sale-topper, Lot 601, emerged through post-sale negotiations. The filly by Embellish out of Queen of Wizardy was secured for $200,000 by Busuttin Racing from Cambridge Stud.

Cambridge Stud claimed Leading Vendor honours once more, selling 14 Book 2 yearlings for just under $1.2 million. Little Avondale Stud earned the Leading Vendor by average title, with five yearlings selling at an average of $103,000.

Rich Hill Stud’s Shocking topped the sires by average in Book 2, with three yearlings selling at a mean of $121,667, headed by Lot 762, which realised $160,000 when purchased by Hong Kong buyer Lok Lor.

Momentum Carries Forward

With both books completed, Karaka 2026 stands as a clear endorsement of New Zealand Bloodstock’s revised structure and the enduring global appetite for New Zealand-bred horses.

Attention now turns to the inaugural Karaka Summer Sale, which begins on Thursday 29 January, while all yearlings purchased at Karaka 2026 remain eligible for nomination to the Karaka Millions Series, including the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO, the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO and the $1 million NZB Mega Maiden Series.