Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and a prominent buyer during the history of the Sale was Stanley Goosman (later Sir Stanley). He was a key player at the Sale during the World War II era, and headed the list of winning owners in New Zealand on 10 occasions.
The majority of his horses were purchased at the National Yearling Sale, where for many years he was the leading buyer, spending on average 4,000gns per year.
Among his purchases were the winners of four Great Northern Derbys, six Great Northern St Legers, two New Zealand Derbys, the Avondale Guineas six times and the Auckland, Avondale and Waikato Cups.
Among his trophies were 20 gold and two silver cups, plus a grandfather clock. Interestingly, he refused to buy fillies for fear of becoming involved in breeding. Yet Estimate (Fair’s Fair) was an exception, purchasing her at the 1954 Sale for 410 guineas.
Starting in the transport business in a small way after a period of farming, Sir Stanley built up one of the largest contracting businesses in the North Island and was an MP for the Piako district.
On retiring from racehorse ownership in 1965, Goosman made comments on his time in the racing industry.
“I make only three boasts about my racing career. I have won more money in stakes than any other man in New Zealand racing history, being £347,741.”
“I have spent more money buying horses than any other man in New Zealand racing history – about £100,000.
“And believe it or not, I’ve lost more money than any other man in New Zealand racing history.”
Sir Stanley Goosman was inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier this year. Watch it here.
Karaka 2026 will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 25 - 29 January, the iconic week on the international sales calendar marking the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
To follow along on all the news, blogs, videos and more, visit 100years.nzb.co.nz. Enthusiasts can also get involved in the Facebook community group to share memories of the Sale here or follow NZB’s social media platforms for more.
The catalogues for Karaka 2026 will be online and in mailboxes late November.
100th NATIONAL YEARLING SALE SCHEDULE (KARAKA 2026):
- TAB Karaka Millions Raceday: Saturday 24 January at Ellerslie
- Book 1 Sale: Sunday 25 & Monday 26 January at Karaka
- Book 2 Sale: Tuesday 27 January at Karaka
- Karaka Summer Sale: Thursday 29 January at Karaka
