$500,000 Savabeel Colt Stars on Day One at Karaka Ready to Run

Day 1 of the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds saw an astute buying bench with both local and international markets active.

Buyers were targeting based on previous graduate success with horses destined for New Zealand, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, China, Singapore and Australia.

New Zealand titan Savabeel sired today’s top purchase, Lot 162 out of Iffraaj mare Saoirse from the draft of Riversley Park. The colt was secured by prominent Karaka buyer, David Ellis for $500,000.

The five-time Champion New Zealand sire’s five Lots to sell, delivered an aggregate of $1,155,000 and averaged $231,000.

Riversley Park was the leading vendor by aggregate, with four of the top five lots at today’s Sale. The expert preparer sold 15 two-year-olds for a total turnover of $3,700,000.

Australia was the leading country by spend with 50 lots purchased for an aggregate of $4,554,500, ahead of Hong Kong who spent $2,620,000 for 12 quality two-year-olds. Domestic buyers followed closely behind with New Zealand purchasing a total of $2,520,500 (26 Lots).

Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis was the overall leading buyer by aggregate after securing five two-year-olds for a total of $1,090,000.

“There were two outstanding colts in the Sale and we’re really lucky that we bought them both,” said Ellis.

“The Savabeel colt had probably as good as Breeze Up as I’ve seen here for many years.

“We’re thrilled they both came from Sam Beatson’s property. He’s a really good operator, does the horses really well and it gives buyers like myself confidence to pay a little bit extra to buy the good ones.”

Another strong buyer was a familiar face at Karaka, Gary Carvell, who purchased five Lots under his Hiwi Lodge banner for a total of $760,000.

NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said “Overall the results weren’t as strong as we would have liked on Day 1.

“However, the demand is still keen for the good ones and those buyers are very aware of the success that Ready to Run graduates have achieved over the years.

“We are looking forward to tomorrow’s trade. And we expect the statistics to improve as Passed Lots are traded through.” 

At the end of Day 1, the turnover closed at $10,789,500 for 112 horses with the average settling at $96,335. The clearance rate strengthened this afternoon to 63% (same as 2018) and is expected to pick up on Day 2.

Selling at the second day of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale will commence tomorrow from 11am at Karaka, with all the live action aired on Free View channel 200 in New Zealand, as well simulcast online at wwww.nzb.co.nz, livestreamed on NZB’s Facebook page and on racing.com.

To make enquiries about any Passed Lots contact Kane Jones +64 27 274 4985.

2019 Ready to Run Sale Statistics – Day One