Sword of State colt tops Karaka Sales 2026 Book 1

The opening session of New Zealand Bloodstock’s 100th National Yearling Sale has delivered record-breaking results, with Book 1 generating more than $79 million across the first two days of selling.

Despite a reduced catalogue, the Book 1 Sale recorded a $3.6 million increase on last year’s figures, with the average climbing to a record $187,257, a 14 per cent rise, while the median surged 27 per cent to a record $140,000. The clearance rate finished at a strong 81 per cent.

NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the outcome was a major endorsement of the revised two-day Book 1 format.

“The new format has seen Book 1 come back from three days to two, and despite having 94 less horses catalogued, the aggregate is up more than $3 million on last year,” Seabrook said.

“We’ve hit a record Book 1 average and median, and a clearance rate which we haven’t seen in some time.

“I’m very proud of the whole NZB team, the positivity on the grounds has been fantastic. The whole industry has really lifted this week and I’m looking forward to that momentum continuing into a strong Book 2 Sale tomorrow.”

Long-time vendor Cambridge Stud topped the sale, providing the highest-priced lot of the session and claiming Leading Vendor honours.

Lot 513, a colt by emerging sire Sword of State and a half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Ceolwulf, was purchased for $1.1 million by Mr Sanxiong Gao in partnership with Ciaron Maher Racing.

“It tells the industry that you can turn a $15,000 service fee into a million-dollar profit, that’s really encouraging,” said Sir Brendan Lindsay.

“We’re a great country, and we breed the best horses.

“It’s a moment the team are going to remember for the rest of their lives.”

Cambridge Stud sold 50 lots for a total of $10,640,000 across the two days.

“A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes, and they are emotional,” Lindsay said.

“Jo and I believe in our country, everything we do is about New Zealand.

“It’s the 100th anniversary of an iconic New Zealand event, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Ciaron Maher’s bloodstock manager Will Bourne was delighted to secure the sale-topper.

“David Ellis is a hard guy to beat, especially here on his home deck,” Bourne said.

“But this is a lovely horse. We had great support from a new client in Mr Gao, and Ciaron was very keen on him.

“Ciaron sent through videos when we were shortlisting, and he was one of his picks. I’ve just spoken to him and he’s delighted.”

Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis claimed the Leading Buyer title for the 18th time at the National Yearling Sale.

“It’s been a very successful sale for the New Zealand industry,” Ellis said.

“All credit to New Zealand Bloodstock and their team for putting on a great show.

“We’ve purchased 18 horses so far and I’m looking forward to getting them home and starting to place them.”

Darley’s first-season sire Anamoe led the stallion standings, selling six yearlings at an average of $487,500, while Sword of State averaged $260,250 from 20 lots sold.

All yearlings purchased at Karaka in 2026 are eligible for the NZB Karaka Millions Series, which includes the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO, the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO and the NZB Mega Maiden Series.

Attention now turns to Book 2, with selling of Lots 568 to 848 set to commence from 10am (NZT) on Tuesday at Karaka.