New Zealand based, former South African breeder, Craig Ramsay’s presence at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale is no longer exploratory. The South African breeder turned bloodstock agent returned to Karaka for a second consecutive year buying for the Hollywood Racing operation, significantly increasing both volume and spend across Book 1 on Days 1 and 2.

This year, Ramsay secured nine yearlings for a total outlay of NZD 2.245 million, more than doubling last year’s commitment, when five Book 1 yearlings were purchased for NZD 885,000 for the same ownership. The comparison highlights a clear step-up in scale and confidence as the Hollywood Racing strategy continues to take shape.

The buying was anchored by a NZD 380,000 Proisir filly out of Cote d'Or (pictured), the most expensive of the draft, and reinforced by multiple six-figure investments in the Rich Hill-based sire, whose influence continues to grow at the elite end of New Zealand racing. Ramsay also diversified with high-end purchases by Contributer and Savabeel, ensuring balance across speed, stamina, and proven local performance lines.

While individual training destinations have not been formally announced, the continuity of buying across two years — and the sharp increase in spend — points to a deliberate, long-term plan rather of this type of blood injection into the SA Racing system with the majority of the purchases being Fillies. 

Craig Ramsay – Karaka Book 1 Purchases