New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale Up After Two Days

Things slowed a bit today, the second day of the New Zealand premier yearling sale at Karaka, but the gross and average were both still ahead of last year's figures.

After two days, 207 head had been sold for NZ$20,480,000 (U.S.$11,258,061), an average of NZ$98,937 (U.S.$54,387). The gross is up 7% and the average has increased 5%. The median has risen 12% to NZ$70,000 (U.S.$38,480).

The highest price occurred during today's second session, when Australian agent Keiran Moore paid NZ$660,000 (U.S.$362,809) for a Japanese client for a filly by Zabeel out of the L'Enjoleur mare L'Quiz. The filly, sold by Cambridge Stud, is a full sister to group I winners Champagne and St. Reims. Champagne was a group I winner in Australia while St. Reims is a top 3-year-old in New Zealand this year. She won the group I New Zealand Derby in December.

Danehill is the leading sire by average through two sessions, with five of his progeny averaging $NZ242,000, Zabeel has had 29 sell for an average of $NZ218,793.

Trainer Graeme Rogerson leads the buyers list, having purchased 11 lots for a total of $NZ1,715,000. Trainer Gai Waterhouse has purchased nine yearlings for a total of $NZ950,000.