The NZTBA's hospitality tent at Karaka
Mr Peter Francis, President of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, today expressed his optimism in wishing both vendors and buyers well for the 80th New Zealand National Yearling Sales Series. The 2006 Sales begin at New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka complex on Monday.
Mr Francis said that the New Zealand-bred thoroughbred is experiencing a wonderful year internationally with five Group One winners in Australia and a vintage season in Hong Kong topped by the outstanding victory of Vengeance of Rain, bred by Keith Biggs & partners, in the Hong Kong Cup G1 in December. That performance confirmed the son of Zabeel as the 2005 World Racing Series Champion.
Starcraft, bred by current Mercedes New Zealand Breeder of the Year, Garry Chittick, has been successful in two of Europe's top-rated Group One miles. Starcraft was ninth equal with a rating of 124 on the final World Thoroughbred Thoroughbred Rankings for 2005.
Mr Francis said that on the domestic scene the Auckland Racing Club has led the way with increased prizemoney for the current season, and the new Auckland Cup Carnival in March is eagerly anticipated. The appointment of Mr Paul Bittar as CEO of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has also added to a very progressive year.
With the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters holding the portfolio for Racing, there is a widespread expectation that the current crop of yearlings will compete for substantially increased prizemoney during their racing careers. Mr Francis added that the New Zealand thoroughbred horse has always been regarded as outstanding value for money and he was confident that this year's offering will be no different.
NZTBA members & guests, vendors, buyers and media are warmly invited to call in at the Association's hospitality marquee at Karaka. It's located between Stable Block C and the indoor parade ring. The NZTBA chief executive Michael Martin, administration manager Sally Cassels-Brown and membership secretary Janine Wallace will be based at Karaka for the duration of the Sales Series.
- NZTBA Media Release
