New Zealand's top thoroughbred yearlings are drawing higher than
expected prices as the annual yearling sales at Karaka get off to a
rip roaring start.
Sales were barely underway when a colt by Zabeel fetched a cool
$300,000, well up on expectations, but there was still plenty of
sentiment among the high end horse flesh.
"I didn't think I would feel as emotional as I do but just seeing him reach a real good price and the fact he's going on to a good career I'm really happy for him but sad to see him go," says Laura Hawkins, a Cambridge stud hand.
Buyers were out in force with many from Asia and Australia setting their sights on colts sired by Zabeel.
"He's an athlete, he's fluid, he glides over the ground...exactly what I look for in a top horse," says Gai Waterhouse, a Zabeel colt buyer.
Several higher than expected sales on Monday have fuelled optimism among breeders of strong sales again this year.
The buoyant mood at the first southern hemisphere sales of the year is being seen as a good omen for New Zealand's racing industry.
"Worldwide there seems to be a general upward trend and I think definitely in New Zealand racing is starting to take off again," says Olympic equestrian Mark Todd.
The day finished with the average sale price up $50,000 on last year, and more than 1,500 yearlings are expected to be sold in the week ahead.
