For over 51 years, respected international bloodstock agent John Foote has been attending the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and he has returned to Karaka for the historic 100th National Yearling Sale this week.
John Foote Bloodstock was formed in 1982 after gaining experience with Coles Bloodstock Agency, Adelaide, the British Bloodstock Agency in Newmarket and later as manager of Dalgety Bloodstock Int, Adelaide.
“I got into it with luck, after school,” commented Foote.
“I did a couple of years of vet science, and I was very good at the vet, not very good at the science. So, I got a job with David Coles in Adelaide, who was very well known over in Australia. A wonderful mentor.”
Currently inspecting yearlings at Karaka 2026, Foote reflected on his success purchasing yearlings from the National Yearling Sale.
“The first yearling I bought, was when I was doing work for Bruce McLaughlin. He was by Noble Bijou.
“He was a Group winner. He was a nice horse for one of the first ones we bought here.
Among the stars purchased was a son of Faltaat. Purchased for $22,000 from Westbury Stud's draft in 2000, for a syndicate which consisted of Colin Giltrap, Winston McDonald, Peter Walker and CEO of Mercredes Ernie Ward. The three time Group One winner was cleverly named Sedecrem (Mercedes reversed).
Foote also recalled purchasing the 2015 Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance (NZ) for just $50,000.
“He was so cheap, and we love to win that Melbourne Cup. He was a true stayer, a wonderful horse, a real star.
“I’m not sure if he was my best winner from here, but he was certainly one that I have enjoyed the most.”
Foote is known for purchasing horses all over the world but is always drawn back to the New Zealand product.
“There’s something about the land here and how they raise them here. It’s the best place to source horses in the Southern Hemisphere.”
“I’ve always liked buying middle distance horses, everyone buys sprinters, we have to do that too, but to come across here especially in the early days when there was a lot of those by Sir Tristam, Noble Bijou and the likes, it gave us the opportunity to buy those types of horses. They weren’t overly expensive and they did well.
“New Zealand punches well above its weight and those horses did a wonderful job in the olden days. There are not as many staying horses, but I do love buying stayers, and it’s good to come here to do so.
“Cambridge Stud and Rich Hill Stud’s current stallion line up comes to mind, they are going quite well.
“There are quite a few stallions doing well, and a lot to look forward to from over here. There’s a couple of stayers among them, which makes it easier for me to find some.
“I never understood why some Aussies don’t come here to buy. The stats speak for themselves.”
John Foote will be in action at Karaka for his 51st National Yearling Sale, with selling taking place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 25 - 29 January. The iconic week on the international sales calendar marks the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
All yearlings purchased are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series featuring the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as the NZB Mega Maiden Bonus Series with $1m in bonuses up for grabs across 40 maiden races in New Zealand each season
View the online catalogues here.
SALE SCHEDULE:
TAB Karaka Millions Raceday: Saturday 24 January at Ellerslie
Book 1 Sale: Sunday 25 & Monday 26 January at Karaka, from 10am
Book 2 Sale: Tuesday 27 January at Karaka, from 10am
Karaka Summer Sale: Thursday 29 January at Karaka, from 11am
National Online Yearling Sale: 14 April on gavelhouse Plus
