The opening session of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale showcased strong market activity and highlighted the dominance of Snitzel’s progeny, with a colt by the late Arrowfield stallion out of dual Group 1 winner Amarelinha topping the day at $850,000. Purchased by Chris Waller and Guy Mulcaster, the colt carries significant pedigree value, being the last foal of Amarelinha who passed away shortly after foaling. The session saw robust bidding across elite yearlings, with 207 sold at a 77% clearance rate, generating a 43% year-on-year increase in aggregate sales to over $38 million, reflecting a healthy and selective market buoyed by strong domestic and international interest.
Other notable highlights included high-priced purchases of yearlings by emerging sires such as Super Seth and Anamoe, with the latter topping the sire leaderboard by average price, and significant investments in well-bred colts related to established Group 1 winners like Grunt. Buyers like KPW Bloodstock, Yulong, and Cambridge Stud were active, securing quality prospects for racing and breeding. The sale’s refreshed format and condensed catalogue received positive feedback, with anticipation for continued strong trade in subsequent sessions as buyers refine their selections.
