War Party top seller in Christchurch

On a "tough" day, lot 136 War Party (Bettor's Delight - Democrat Party) topped the first day of the Christchurch NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales.

By Price Bloodstock, the bay colt sold for $240,000 to Barry Purdon.

"He's going to develop," says Purdon, "he's got a great head on him and is a very athletic colt."

"He looks very similar to Republican Party and we were very pleased to get him."

Full brother Republican Party (Bettor's Delight - Democrat) is a multiple Group winner, with 14 wins so far and earnings of over $300,000.

More than 130 yearlings went through the parade at the Canterbury Agricultural Park with Lot 133, a Captaintreacherous - Delight In Me colt ($220,000) and Lot 258 Palladium, a Bettor's Delight - Platinum colt, also reaching the $200,000 mark.

The clearance rate and the Kiwi spend was down on previous sales, with NZB's James Jennings describing it as "a tough day".

The sales opened at Karaka on Sunday where a Captaintreacherous - Princess Tiffany filly led the way at $270,000.

The sales conclude in Christchurch tomorrow with Lots 261 - 393.

For more on today's Christchurch sale click here