Countdown to the 2024 National Yearling Sale
15 February 2024
NZB’s 2024 edition of the National Yearling Sale is just days away, set to take place on 18 February at Karaka and to 20 and 21 February in Christchurch.
The Sale will kick off with a mega Harness Millions race meeting confirmed for Alexandra Park on Friday 16 February, with the running of the $200,000 Harness Millions 3YO Colts & Geldings Pace and the $150,000 Harness Millions 3YO Fillies Pace.
To kick off proceedings in Karaka, there will be a parade (In lot order) on Saturday 17 February from 2pm in the outside parade ring for the 126 yearlings set to go under the auction hammer on Sunday.
Inspections and parades onsite will commence early at Karaka from Friday afternoon, and the grounds are set to be busy with many guests also staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Hotel situated just a minute’s walk from the complex. Majority of the yearlings in Christchurch are available for inspection onsite at the Canterbury Agricultural Park from the morning of Monday 19 February.
Various international buyers will be met by an astute lineup of Kiwi judges to provide strong competition in the sale ring, all looking to secure their next champion.
As NZB counts down to the commencement of selling at 11am on Sunday 18 February, here are a few details for those wanting to participate in the live sale action.
SELLING SCHEDULE
2024 National Yearling Sale at Karaka
Sunday 18 February, 11am (NZT): Lots 1 – 126
2024 National Yearling Sale at Canterbury Agricultural Park
Day 1: Tuesday 20 February, 11am (NZT): Lots 127 – 260
Day 2: Wednesday 21 February, 11am (NZT): Lots 261 – 393
Sale Broadcast
As usual, NZB will provide a world-class sale broadcast for the duration of the yearling sale. The format will provide a live stream over the three days of selling with all the action in the ring captured and more from around the grounds.
The Sale will be televised live in New Zealand on Freeview Channel 200, as well as on NZB Standardbreds’s website, online bidding platform and Facebook page.
Viewers can tune in from as early as 10:30am (NZT) prior to the Sale to catch the daily preview show hosted by presenter Michael Guerin in Auckland and Greg O'Connor in Christchurch, with the review show also being broadcast at the closure of selling during day two of Christchurch.
Onlookers around the globe can also expect Michael Guerin, Greg O' Connor and NZB’s Client and Public Relations Manager Jessie Gower to bring key sale highlights and interviews across the three days of selling.
To view the live broadcast online, visit nzbstandardbred.co.nz and click on the Sale link. This will bring you to the catalogue and live video stream, where results will be updated instantly during the Sale. The action can also be viewed from the live stream on NZB Standardbred’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nzbstandardbred. If you miss any of the live-action, you can watch replays and interviews from our Sale TV page here.
Buyer Registration
There are several ways to participate in the bidding action to secure your future racetrack star. Whether you are new to NZB Standardbred auctions or have previously purchased, ensure you register to bid 24 hours before selling commences for a smooth bidding experience.
For existing clients who have purchased or registered at a previous NZB Sale, simply pop into the Sale Day Office at Karaka or Christchurch on arrival to collect your purchaser registration sticker.
For new purchasers that do not have an existing account with NZB, register to bid at www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz/registration as soon as possible or call the team on +64 9 298 0055.
Buyers wishing to purchase remotely can participate via NZB’s user-friendly online bidding platform standardbred.bidonline.nzb.co.nz, while all buyers and agents are welcome to attend the physical sale sessions in person at Karaka and Christchurch.
All yearlings entered in the sale have been inspected by NZB and New Zealand-based agents, who will be able to provide inspection notes and evaluations for buyers, or bid on behalf of. If doing so, ensure to fill out an Appointment of Agent form here.
Once the gavel falls, every aspect of the purchaser’s bloodstock interests can be managed in one location at Karaka, with NZB’s Airfreight, Insurance and Finance divisions available to service buyer's needs post-sale. If you are at Karaka, see the team in the Sale Day Office, or call us via +64 9 298 0055 for assistance.
General Attendance & Merchandise Store
NZB is pleased to invite anyone to attend the National Yearling Sale, with an array of hospitality options available for sale enthusiasts to experience. Entry into the Karaka Sales Centre and Canterbury Agricultural Park is free and all are welcome.
Catalogues are situated at the front entrance in the foyer next to the Sale Day Reception. Should you need any assistance on arrival, see our friendly team.
At Karaka: For a café style menu and an extensive selection of beverages, the Karaka Garden Bar can be found on the ground level of the complex. Snack items and sweet treats are also located on the first level at the Tulloch Café, plus various food trucks will be situated on the lawn area.
For a delectable meal, head to the Ethereal Artisan Kitchen at NZB’s DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka hotel, with signature Karaka cocktails flowing at the Horseshoe Bar.
At Christchurch: At Canterbury Agricultural Park, enjoy top southern hospitality from our caterers with all the NZ favourites on offer.
NZB's pop up merchandise store is available to those at Karaka and can be found on the Garden Bar lawn, with a range of NZB and NZB Standardbred-inspired caps, apparel, accessories for sale enthusiasts to purchase as a keepsake of the iconic Sale. The pop up site will be open Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February, while online orders can continue to be placed at shop.nzb.co.nz for the remainder of the sale in Christchurch.
We look forward to the sale event of the year, and welcome all to join us in experiencing the unique and unforgettable experience. For more information view www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz or contact us here.