David Ellis of Te Akau Stud was the last man standing after a furious bidding
war at Tuesday’s second session of the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale at
Karaka, walking away with a NZ$2.2 million son of Stravinsky. It was the
second-highest priced colt ever to sell at Karaka. The yearling, out of Group 1
winner Grand Echezeaux (Zabeel), was bred and consigned by Pencarrow Stud. He is
a half-brother to Darci Brahma (Danehill), who went on to be named New Zealand’s
champion juvenile last year after topping this sale when purchased by Ellis for
NZ$1.1 million in 2004. Ellis called the yearling “one of the most impeccable
colts” he had ever seen.
“He is by the sire of the leading fillies in both New Zealand and Australia
from the blueblood family of Peter and Philip Vela through Grand Echezeaux and
is a superb individual. We are very proud to have secured him for the New
Zealand breeding industry for the years to come and hope that he will reward his
owners with similar success to Darci Brahma.”
Darci Brahma’s trainer Mark Walker will also train Tuesday’s sale topper, who
was syndicated soon after purchase. Sam Kelt, of Keltern Stud in Hastings, was
the determined underbidder on the prized yearling. The colt led the way on a day
of strong bidding at Karaka, with a session record average of NZ$149,772.
“The sale started steadily this morning, but really stepped up a gear
throughout the afternoon,” said Petrea Vela, New Zealand Bloodstock’s marketing and public
relations manager. “The last three hours of selling were as strong
as we have ever seen it at Karaka with today’s results exceeding all our
expectations. Not only was it very exciting to see the Stravinsky colt sell for
NZ$2.2 million, but it is a huge boost to our industry to see two New Zealand
buyers fighting it out at the end, with Japanese and Australian buyers also in
the battle. Good-quality horses are certainly in high demand with buyers
prepared to pay top dollars for lots that meet their scrutiny.”
The third and final session of the Premier Sale is set for Wednesday.