John O’Shea and Jason Abrahams are seeking some more New Zealand bred horses to join the ranks of the Champion Thoroughbreds stable and the best sale for that is kicking into gear today at Karaka, in New Zealand. We’re very happy with last years purchase of Sir Denzel and Wahlberg, and are hoping to source a few more at great value prices!
Demand for the New Zealand product continues to grow as kiwi thoroughbreds forge a winning reputation around the world. Last season in Australia, New Zealand bred horses won 31% of all Australia's Group 1 races, though just making up 5.2% of the racing population.
Since 2010, New Zealand bred horses have extended their exceptional record in these classic races throughout Australia and Asia taking 12 Derbies in Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand and Singapore. In addition, New Zealand Bloodstock was the source of six Derby and Oaks winners last season alone.
Derbies offer some of the biggest purses in Australian racing with the Australian, VRC, Queensland, South and West Australian Derbies offering an average stake of almost A$900,000.
New Zealand thoroughbreds won over 16% of Australia's three-year-old black-type races last season and dominated the Group 1 ranks winning over 40% of Australian Group 1 three-year-old events.
These prestigious Group 1 victories included a clean sweep of Australia's premier Derby races last season. The late Lion Tamer (NZ) (Storming Home) romped home by over six-lengths in the 2010 VRC Derby, and Karaka graduate Shamrocker (NZ) (O'Reilly) became the first filly in 22 years to win the Group 1 Australian Derby last year. The 2011 VRC Derby saw Karaka graduate Sangster (NZ) (Savabeel) put in a tough performance to lead for much of the long Flemington straight to make it five VRC Derby titles for New Zealand bred horses in the last six years.
Needless to say, there are plenty of reasons that this sale is both John and Jason’s favourite, in addition to all of the above, there is great value for money, and John and Jason have already had plenty of success there, securing the likes of Zabrasive (Group 1 Rosehill Guineas), Jessicabeel (Group 1 AJC Sydney Cup) and Legsman (Listed Winter Cup) from the sale in previous years! We are aiming to bring home a few horses from the sale next year and welcome your early interest in securing a share in your favourite!
