Numbers show modest declines at New Zealand sale

New Zealand Bloodstock's (NZB) 2008 Ready-To-Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds

managed to withstand the exterior forces of a global economic slowdown and

posted just marginal declines versus last year's event. While the clearance rate

dropped to 67 percent this year from 70 percent in 2007, the average of

NZ$60,366 was off by 1.3 percent while the median of NZ$33,000 dropped by 8.3

percent. From the 247 horses sold, 17 made in excess of NZ$200,000 versus 14

last November.

"In view of the challenges facing everyone in the current market conditions,

the results of the past two days have really been well in excess of our

expectations," said Petrea Vela, managing director of sales and marketing for

NZB. "Heading into this sale we were certain that results would be down on last

year, but to see such strength from the market here has been a fantastic result.

"Particular credit must be paid to the great number of both international and

local buyers that came to Karaka this week. We're very grateful for their

efforts to be here and their support of the sale with their purchases, and hope

that they are justly rewarded on the racetrack."

The overall sales topper went through the ring during Tuesday's opening

session, when Hip No. 62, an Esker Lodge-consigned son of Red Ransom out of Lady

Circles (Ascot Knight), was purchased by Singapore-based trainer Stephen Gray

for NZ$400,000. A half-brother to SP Hybrid (Royal Academy), the topper is out

of a half-sister to champions Elvstroem (Danehill) and Haradasun (Fusaichi

Pegasus).

"We'll send him down to my parents' place (in Palmerston North) to mature and

will race him in New Zealand before we look at taking him to Singapore," the

Kiwi expatriate explained. "We're in no hurry with him and will look to start

him as a late two-year-old or early three-year-old."

Wednesday's second and final session was highlighted by the sale of Hip 243

for NZ$360,000 to John Foote Bloodstock of Australia. A son of Zabeel, the bay

is out of Group 1 queen Surprize Surprize (Prized).

"I've bought him for a Hong Kong client and as yet we haven't decided whether

he'll race in Australia first or go straight to Hong Kong," Foote said. "He's a

well-bred colt, a lovely type and breezed up with a good action. We're hoping

he'll be as good as his mother and father."