Strong Bidding Bookends Day One of Christchurch Session
20 February 2024
NZB’s National Standardbred Yearling Sale continued in Christchurch on Tuesday, where 134 lots went under the hammer at the Canterbury Agricultural Park.
A flurry of bids bookended the first of two days in Christchurch, where top lots were seen at the start and end of the mixed day of trading.
On top was Lot 136, a colt by Bettor’s Delight from the Group One-producing mare Democrat Party who was knocked down to Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan Racing for $240,000 from Price Bloodstock.
“He was well prepared with plenty of scope,” commented co-trainer Barry Purdon.
“He’s looks very familiar to Republican Party, so we’re very pleased to secure him.”
The second top lot was three lots prior when Lot 133 (Captaintreacherous x Delight In Me colt) was purchased by Dean Shannon’s Montana Park banner for $220,000 from Laura Smith’s draft.
Laura Smith also consigned the third top lot when late in the day Peter Lagan Standardbreds outlaid $200,000 for Lot 258, a Bettor’s Delight colt out of Platinum.
NZB’s Director of Operations James Jennings reflected on the session.
“It was a tough day at the office, the Australian spend was very strong today, but the Kiwi spend was down.”
“We know our buyers are here and many haven’t filled their books, so we hope they are keeping their powder dry until the final day of selling tomorrow.
“There has been some great incentives come into harness racing recently, and we know there will be more. So those buying horses now to go into their stables are going to reap the benefits of those incentives in the near future.”
The final day of the Christchurch session commences on Wednesday 21 February, with lots 261 – 393 selling from 11am (NZT).
The Christchurch session will be beamed to viewers on Freeview Channel 200, with coverage streamed live at nzbstandardbred.co.nz and on NZB Standardbred’s Facebook page. Presenter Greg O’Connor will bring key sale highlights and interviews throughout the day and will host a Preview Show prior to the Sale beginning tomorrow at 10:30am (NZT).
All yearlings purchased at the 2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale are eligible for the lucrative $1million dollar Harness Million Sale Race Series.
To make enquiries about any Passed Lots, contact NZB Standardbred’s Cam Bray at +64 21 737 199 or email [email protected], or James Jennings on [email protected] or call +64 27 233 3333.
View the Christchurch session results here.
View the Christchurch session highlights, interviews and lot-by-lot footage here.
2024 Christchurch Session Statistics – Day One (at end of selling)
| 2024 Christchurch Sale - Day One (new format) | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate | $3,603,000 |
| Average | $48,040 |
| Median | $30,000 |
| Clearance | 62% |
| Catalogued | 134 |
| Sold | 75 |
| Top Price | $240,000 Lot 136 (B.C) Bettor's Delight - Democrat Party |
2024 Christchurch Session Top Lots – Day One
| Lot | Sire | Dam | Sex | Vendor Name | Press Buyer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0136 | Bettor's Delight | Democrat Party | Colt | Price Bloodstock | Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan Racing Stables | $240,000 |
| 0133 | Captaintreacherous | Delight In Me | Colt | L. Smith | Montana Park P/L | $220,000 |
| 0258 | Bettor's Delight | Platinum | Colt | L. Smith | Peter Lagan Standardbreds | $200,000 |
| 0146 | Captaintreacherous | Dream On Me | Colt | L. Smith | Mrs JL Feiss | $180,000 |
| 0188 | Bettor's Delight | Idolise | Colt | Dancingonmoonlight Ltd | Peter Lagan Standardbreds | $155,000 |
| 0206 | Captaintreacherous | Kensington Kate | Colt | Spreydon Lodge Ltd | Stonewall Stud Ltd | $145,000 |
| 0204 | Bold Eagle | Kenny's Dream | Colt | Ms BA Williamson | Kyvalley Racing | $100,000 |
| 0255 | Bettor's Wish | Pistol Packing Mama | Colt | R. G. Anderson | Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan Racing Stables | $100,000 |
| 0226 | Sweet Lou | Luna Danza | Colt | Dancingonmoonlight Ltd | Stonewall Stud Ltd | $95,000 |
| 0218 | Bettor's Delight | Lady Arts | Colt | Barron Bloodstock | Stonewall Stud Ltd | $82,500 |
| 0239 | Bettor's Delight | My Style | Colt | Studholme Bloodstock Ltd | Mr B Ballantyne | $82,500 |