Record results at NZB Yearling sales

The just completed NZB Standardbred Yearling sales was a record-breaker on several fronts.

The aggregate for the four days - Karaka on February 13 and Christchurch Feb 14-16 – was the best ever, just shy of $15m.

The $14,753,000 was more than $1.4m more than last year’s total.

The average of $49,507 was also a record for the sales, up on last year’s $45,198, as was the median of $38,750, up from $30,000.

“We are incredibly heartened by what the industry has achieved over the four days of selling,” says NZB’s managing director Andrew Seabrook.

Steve Stockman’s Stonewall Stud was by far the biggest buyer, outlaying $2,348,000 in Auckland and Christchurch.

The stud ended up with 21 yearlings, at an average of $101,923 in Auckland, and $127,875 in Christchurch.

Among the purchases were the two sales-toppers, with Lot 66 (Bettor’s Delight – Double Twist) from Breckon Farms, and Lot 295 (Bettor’s delight – Fight For Glory) from Shard Farm. Both were sold for $260,000.

Bettor’s Delight was again the king of the sires – 50 of his yearlings sold for a combined $4,236,500.

“I would like to thank the consignors for presenting an outstanding bunch of yearlings,” said Seabrook, “the standard of presentation is the best it has ever been, which was reflected in the sale rings at Auckland and Christchurch.”