Pinhooking Aplenty at NZB’s National Weanling Sale

Media Release - Friday June 13

NZB’s dedicated National Weanling Sale, set to be held Thursday 26 June, is a prime opportunity for astute judges to purchase their next lucrative pinhooking investment.

During the last few editions of the Sale, pinhooked weanlings have gone on to fetch significantly higher prices upon their return to the sale ring, just a few months later at the National Yearling Sales Series.

NZB’s Bloodstock Representative Patrick Cunningham recognises the opportunity the weanling session offers for pinhookers.

NZB's Patrick Cunningham & Alex Teng

“Within this catalogue, there is an array of pinhook opportunity available to buyers at all ends of the market.”

“Investing in weanlings at a moderately low cost, when compared to the potential returns they can bring as yearlings, is an enticing prospect.

“Year on year this particular Sale proves to be a place where those profitable results can be sourced,” Cunningham said.

mong the Karaka 2025 results saw Lot 52, a colt by Proisir out of La Donna E Mobile purchased as a weanling for $140,000 by Riversley Park from Curraghmore’s draft, which and later selling for $360,000 as a yearling.

Lot 202, an Xtravagant colt was knocked down to Pinhook Bloodstock International (FBAA) for $30,000 from Jamieson Park’s draft and was turned into $110,000 when offered by Landsdowne Park.

Lot 310, a Sword of State colt from Seaton Park’s draft was bought for $20,000 as a weanling by Gary Mudgway Bloodstock and later realised $120,000 from Kilgravin Lodge’s draft.

Advertisement

Lot 499 was purchased by Michael Kirwan & Hallmark Stud for $72,500 as a weanling from Curraghmore’s draft. The son of Mark’s Basilica then sold eight months later for $220,000 when offered through Hallmark Stud’s yearling draft.

The strong pinhook results at Karaka 2025 were highlighted by NZB-sourced weanlings, with that trend set to rise as New Zealand-bred and sold horses continue to be an unstoppable force this season, and the demand for Kiwi horses climbing.

All weanlings entered in the Sale have been inspected by NZB Agents, who can take any enquiries ahead of selling.

All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the $1m NZB Mega Maiden Series comprising of 40 non-Saturday maiden races located throughout New Zealand.

Buyers wishing to attend are able to book their stays at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel onsite here or by emailing travel@nzb.co.nz for assistance.

View the 144-lot catalogue here. The catalogue can also be viewed on the Equineline app for iPads/tablets, or the Thoroughworks mobile app.

For more information, contact Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz, Sales Representative Patrick Cunningham on +64 21 512 466 or Patrick.Cunningham@nzb.co.nz or Andrew Buick at +64 27 555 0640 or email Andrew.Buick@nzb.co.nz.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Aushorse Release 2026 Investors Guide
We are very proud to release the 2026 Aushorse Investor’s Guide. Each year, this publication offers a snapshot of the strength, momentum and global appeal of Australian racing and breeding, and the story it tells in 2026 is exceptional.
Aussie Bred Voyage Bubble Goes Back to Back in G1 HK International Mile
Torryburn Stud have bred and sold some great horses, but none better than Deep Field gelding Voyage Bubble, who scored a tenacious victory in the Group I HK International Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday for the second year in a row.
Four G1 HK International Cups in a Row for Romantic Warrior
Irish bred Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior produced a crowd pleasing victory in the Group I HK International Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, capturing this iconic race for a history making fourth time in a row.
Sires With Winners - Sunday December 14
Here is the full list of 61 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Australia Has Changed and It’s Time to Stand Up
I am someone that lives their life in a horse obsessed bubble. I can tell you anything you want to know about racing and thoroughbreds, but as to what happens in the wider world, I’m happy to leave others to commentate on that, but not in this case.
New SW Maschino - Smooth Chino Makes it Six Straight
Prominent WA sire Maschino has got another good one!
Pedigree Pointers – Karaka 2026
The 2026 NZB National Yearling Sales (January 25-29) offers buyers the cream of the New Zealand crop and in the weeks leading up to the sale we’ll go looking for pedigrees of interest for a myriad of reasons.
French Trained Sea the Stars Stallion Wins G1 HK Vase
The big ones at Sha Tin kicked off on International Day with the Group I HK International Vase (2400m) for the stayers and in a year when the French have been on fire all around the world it was French trained Sea the Stars stallion Sosie that took the prize.
More Stakes Success for Storyville
The Grant and Alana Williams bred and trained Storyville led all the way in a bold change of tactics from champion hoop Willie Pike, which paid off brilliantly when the classy daughter of Overshare was able to hold off all challengers and post the fourth stakes win of her career in the Listed Starstruck Classic.
Inglis Digital December (late) Now Online - Another Share in Within the Law
Stakes-producing mares, several well-credentialled racing and breeding prospects and a share in G1 performer Within The Law are among the highlights of the Inglis Digital December (Late) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.