Momentum continued on the final day of New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2021 Ready to Run Sale off the back of a positive first day, with a strong market demanding quality juveniles that fetched significant price tags.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was jubilant over the efforts of the auction house, consignors and agents.
“This is a culmination of a huge effort from all industry participants.”
“The consignors provided an exceptional level of service this year, not only with the standard of preparation but also the quality of their marketing via social media and other channels.
“The kiwi agents also made their presence felt by going above and beyond to assist clients both domestically and from afar.
“I am immensely proud of our team at NZB, with all the work they have put in behind the scenes to make the sale happen.
“I think what we have achieved with no international buyers on the grounds, and no horses physically present is phenomenal and I couldn’t be more pleased by what has been accomplished over the last two days,” Seabrook said.
Remarkably, the 2021 edition of the sale saw 37 two-year-olds sell over the $200,000 threshold, in comparison to 25 in 2020 and 30 in 2019.
The highlight of day two came via NZB’s online bidding platform, which served for another solid day of trading accounting for 51% of lots sold and turning over more than $9.5 million remotely.
Mathew Becker of Group 1 Bloodstock purchased Lot 195 online from across the Tasman. The Pierro colt out of Fastnet Rock mare Mary Lou was purchased for $625,000, proving popular amongst domestic and international buyers.
Becker was thrilled to have secured the top-class colt in partnership with Busuttin Racing and Ozzie Kheir from Riversley Park’s draft.
“The horse will be going to Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, who have had great results out of the Ready to Run Sale.”
“We were keen to target some really nice lots and this guy was one of the top picks. We really only targeted two or three horses coming in and we’re so thrilled to be able to land him,” he said.
Becker was also involved in the purchase of Lot 218, with a suspenseful bidding dual taking place between the floor and online punters over the Sacred Falls colt out of Savabeel mare Movie (NZ) from Ohukia Lodge’s draft.
The half-brother to recent Group One winner Never Been Kissed (NZ) (Tivaci) hails from the famous Waikato Stud family and was knocked down for $600,000 by Bjorn Baker Racing and Becker’s Group 1 Bloodstock banner.
The third highest purchase of the day was secured by renowned agent Dean Hawthorne, who purchased Lot 238 for $400,000 in partnership with prominent Hong Kong buyer Ricky Yiu.
The colt was by sire of the moment Deep Field out of Petit Cheval (Denman) and was secured from Riversley Park’s draft.
Hawthorne commented on his experience purchasing at the 2021 edition of the virtual sale.
“The market is very strong for the good horses, which surprised me,” he said.
“I can only imagine what it is going to be like when everyone is back in New Zealand. When you’ve got 150-odd people looking over them, the middle market will strengthen, so it can only get better.
“The top end has amazed me really, and it’s great to see the pinhookers going well.
“It holds the sale up and the pinhookers that do this for their living are very good at it. They produce great horses and that’s why the top end of this Sale will always hold up,” Hawthorne said.
For the fifth consecutive year, Sam and Hana Beatson and their team at Riversley Park claimed their throne as the leading consignor by aggregate, selling $4,657,500 worth of two-year-old stock.
“We’re very proud, it was a bit unexpected this year but to pull that off again it was great,” commented Sam Beatson. “It’s all about doing the best for your clients and the horses, and if you can get a good average and top the sale then that’s a bonus.”
Regal Farm topped the leading consignor by average table, selling three horses for an average price of $213,333.
To make enquiries about any Passed Lots contact Kane Jones by calling +64 27 274 4985 or emailing kane.jones@nzb.co.nz or Regan Donnison by calling +64 21 512 466 or emailing regan.donnison@nzb.co.nz .
Catch all of the Ready to Run Sale highlights on NZB’s Sale TV channel here.
