Walner stars again at National Yearling Sales in Christchurch

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Top North American trotting stallion Walner has continued on his sales-topping ways at the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales in Christchurch this afternoon. 

Turnover on the second day of the sale totalled just over $6m.

"When we look at the metrics we'd have to be happy," says NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray, "we've had a spike in average and a spike in median." 

"We sold 18 for $100,000 or more so that is pleasing  .... it also seems that it was the year of the trotter!" 

As was the case in Auckland, Walner's progeny were again very much in demand. 

On the first day of the sales at Karaka on Monday a Walner filly (Destinee Jenilou) was the top lot at $220,00, with a Walner colt also going for $150,000.

Today in Christchurch it was Lot 258, a Walner filly out of dual Group 3 winner Egee Money that went for $290,000, sold to Stonewall Stud's Steve Stockman after a spirited bidding battle. It's believed to be an Australasian trotting filly record.

All three Walners were presented by Australian powerhouse breeders Yabby Dam Farms, with principal Pat Driscoll saying he was "over the moon"

After buying just four yearlings at Karaka, Stockman was a force in Christchurch with 13 purchases. As well as the Walner filly there was Lot 187, a Sweet Lou - Taieri Express colt, for $175,000, a Captaintreacherous - True Fantasy Colt for $160,000, a Timoko colt for $110,00 and Lot 295, an American Ideal colt for $145,000. 

The Walner filly was the only yearling to go over $200,000 on the day with the top pacing yearling being the impeccably bred Lot 289, a Captaintreacherous - Imaginary Bet colt who is a full brother to Captains Mistress and a half brother to Merlin.

The colt was bought for $180,000 by big buying Australian Mick Boots, who also owns Captains Mistress. She has been a sensational performer across the Tasman with four wins from four starts so far in 2026.

Boots also bought a Bettor's Delight - Supersonic Miss Colt for $160,000 earlier in the sale.

The Dalgetys' Kentuckiana Lodge was also active, among their purchases was a Downbytheseaside - Sugar Loaf colt for $175,000 and Lot 261, a Pebble Beach - Epona Franco colt, for $115,000.

To read NZB Standardbred's media release on the Christchurch sales click here