Photo: Trish Dunell
Entries are now open for NZB’s Karaka 2027, with the action-packed week of selling set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from Sunday 24 January.
The 100th National Yearling Sale marked by Karaka 2026 set a new benchmark for the industry with turnover rising by almost $10 million, validating the strength of the refreshed sales format and depth of demand for New Zealand thoroughbreds.
Across a week that celebrated a century of New Zealand’s rich thoroughbred history, Karaka 2026 returned more than $96 million to breeders and consignors. Average, median, and clearance rates also lifted across every session, delivering exceptional results.
Karaka 2027 is set to build on the momentum of those record results, with Book 1 again to be conducted across two full days, Book 2 immediately following while the popular Karaka Summer Sale will take place on the Thursday.
“It was an incredible week all around celebrating the 100th National Yearling Sale, and a fitting end to the campaign seeing such strong results across the board,” commented NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.
“With the first century of selling now behind us, we are entering the next chapter with renewed confidence in our sale format, our horses and the unmatched Karaka experience that so many enjoy each year.
“The buying bench in 2026 was the strongest it has ever been, with Australian spend up 12%, Hong Kong and China active, and New Zealand trainers from every region participating.
“Book 2 and the new Karaka Summer Sale were particularly well-supported, and we look forward to building on those results and collating another world-class catalogue with the best of the New Zealand yearling crop."
NZB’s renowned Karaka Sale has produced a prolific number of modern day and all-time champion racehorses, highlighted by another incredible season on the track where 18% of Group One races in Australia were claimed by New Zealand-breds who make up just 7.5% of the racing population.
These results, joined with leading technology, world-famous Kiwi hospitality and the popular DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel will again combine for an unforgettable Karaka experience.
To nominate your yearlings for Karaka 2027, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz or contact the Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey (+64 9 298 0055, or email bloodstock@nzb.co.nz). Entries close 5pm Friday 13 July 2026.
