Kiwi Chronicles
A year of cheer for New Zealand and much optimism for 2023
“We’re back!”, says the marketing catch phrase of New Zealand Bloodstock, surrounding the upcoming Karaka yearling sales series. It’s true. Our industry is back, not only from the obvious but also from the standpoint of this year’s, and especially this spring’s, race results. Consequently, last month’s Ready to Run Sale saw the international buyers return... Read More
More from Kiwi Chronicles
Lost charm
What are the chances that Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit) might get a reprieve and return to New Zealand? Is that something that a New Zealand stud might even ponder? Likely not but he does deserve more than a passing mention. What is clear, is that he lost his charm, and, as is often the case,... Read More
The chase is on
Saturday’s Captain Cook Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) winner’s prize of $172,250 saw Savabeel (Zabeel) surge from fifth to second on this season’s premiership but the leader, Proisir (Choisir), who enjoyed an outstanding spring, has a $630,000 margin as the summer part of the season heats up. The riches of the Auckland, Wellington and Waikato carnivals... Read More
A November to remember
November, the last month of spring, has been massive for Rich Hill Stud, whose stallions are in huge demand – and for good reason. Their month began on Melbourne Cup day when Defibrillate (Shocking) returned from a successful Australian campaign to land the Balmerino Stakes (Gr 3, 2050m) at Pukekohe. By the same sire, Hezashocka... Read More
Next focus
Glowing from a successful Ready to Run Sale, the next focus for the New Zealand bloodstock industry is the annual Karaka yearling sales, set for late January and early February and the Kiwis have wasted no time in adding to an already first class spring. That glow is burning bright at Rich Hill Stud whose... Read More
Walking vs running
Over the next few days, buyers’ focus will alter, from buying yearlings to buying two-year-olds. In essence, the difference is between walking (yearlings) and running (breeze-up two-year-olds), criteria that requires a change of tack. Within that, many judges will also suggest that “how” may have as much importance as “what”, meaning that judges look for... Read More