Strong demand drives 2026 National Online Weanling Sale

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray reckons the online format is here to stay.

The week-long 2026 National On-line Weanling Sale concluded on Wednesday night with total sales of $519,825.

“We had a taste of the online format during Covid, and it was very successful then too."

"It is the way forward for that sale," says Bray.

Of the 44 weanlings offered, 42 were sold, at an average $12,377 (median : $7500). 

With a clearance rate for this sale at 95% Bray believes it has a number of advantages.

"We had weanlings from all over the country including Westport and Invercargill - many of them would not have been at Karaka if it was a physical sale."

"Plus there are less costs involved for vendors, no travel, no handling costs etc."

"It's a sign of the times and the future."

The highlight of the Sale came early when Mark Jones secured Lot 16 for a sale-topping $65,000. The daughter of Art Major from Trigirl Brigade was offered by Alabar and is a full sister to the in-form pair of Bruntwood Brigade and Iron Brigade.

Alabar also produced the second highest-priced weanling. Lot 24, a filly by Aways B Miki out of Alchemax, was purchased by Mitchell Robertson for $45,000.

Not far behind was Lot 35, a strong colt by Art Major, bought by JB (Jamie Bartlett) Bloodstock for $44,000.

Offered by the Westport-based Ultimate Breeding, the colt's dam Ideal Reality is a half-sister to former Horse of the Year and 2019 Inter Dominion Champion Ultimate Sniper.

"It's clear there is a very real demand for weanlings," says Bray, "there's a better buy-in point and it suits those who don't want to spend bigger dollars at the yearling sales."

Speaking of which Bray says there is no prospect of the National Yearling Sales moving on-line.

"We are not thinking of that at all."

Next year's dates for the Yearling Sales have already been confirmed. They will be held at Karaka on Monday, February 15 and in Christchurch two days later, with entries opening on July 1.

For more details go to : https://www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz/