Lib Petagna’s Elsdon Park, though still relatively new in the thoroughbred breeding scene, is gaining significant recognition at the Karaka sales, highlighted by the sale of an Alabama Express colt for $850,000—the equal second highest price at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale. The colt, the first foal of Petagna’s Tivaci mare Diva Carolina, attracted strong interest, notably from Kevin “Millie” Walls of KPW Bloodstock, who purchased the colt for Ron and Judy Wanless. Walls praised the colt’s type and potential, noting plans for the horse to race in Australia and benefit from the VOBIS bonus scheme.

Petagna, who also bred Diva Carolina and races Tivaci, expressed surprise at the competitive bidding but remains confident in the quality of his stock. Elsdon Park, managed by Kerrie Cox near Matamata, is still building its reputation with relatively young horses but has already seen promising results, including multiple entries in the Karaka Millions 2YO races. Petagna intends to maintain a broodmare band of 30 to 35 mares, focusing on quality over quantity, and continues to bring his best horses to market, earning growing respect from buyers.