Masons watch on as colts offered up at Lexington Yearling Sales

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

It's been an unusual Friday for Auckland-based couple Trent and Kristie Mason.

The principals of Mason Bloodstock today watched on-line as the second of their two colts went under the hammer at the Lexington Selected Yearling sales in Kentucky. It is certainly uncommon for breeders  based in New Zealand  to be represented at the prestigious American sale.

Earlier in the week their first colt, Lot 632 Virgin King (Huntsville - Virginontherocks) sold for $US42,000 ($NZ72,000). Today Rodeo Stranger (Tall Dark Stranger - Rodeo Beach) was knocked down for $US30,000 ($NZ51,000).

Adding to the suspense for Masons was the fact it was Lot 798, the very last yearling to be presented on day four of the five day sale.

"The anxiety certainly creeps in," says Trent Mason, "you just don't know what they are going to go for."

"The Tall Dark Stranger was well above what most of the Tall Dark Strangers went for so you've got to be happy," he says.

"We are racing fillies and selling colts at the moment so it made sense to sell them in the States where they were born."

Looking to expand their broodmare band with some well-bred American mares the Masons recently bought Virginontherocks, a full sister to Always B Miki, and Rodeo Beach, who's by Somebeachsomewhere and a full sister to Huntsville.

The two colts were part of the arrangement.

"It was a package deal," says Trent.

In the meantime Virginontherocks and Rodeo Beach are now in New Zealand and have since produced full brothers to the pair that went through the sale ring this week.

They have also both been served again, this time by Captaintreacherous and Bettor's Delight respectively.

Harness racing is an "outlet" for the pair and a world away from Masons, their building supply company.

Originally from a family of bricklayers in Brisbane, Trent moved to New Zealand more than 20 years go.

He admits to being a bit of a "boots and all" type character.

While he's more focused on pedigrees, Kristie's expertise is in the administration and logistics involved in the bloodstock business, and the day to day welfare of the horses.

Based at Waitoki north of Auckland, Mason Bloodstock plan to breed from five mares this season.

"We have 40 acres that we hope to have ready by December - the plan is to have our breeding establishment there and bring everything in-house," says Trent.

 "I do love the breeding game you know, seeing the potential of a horse and watching it grow," says Mason.