1. Viva Pataca (GB) (Marju-Comic)

2. Floral Pegasus (AUS) (Fusaichi Pegasus-Crown Crest) bred in NSW

3. Bullish Luck (USA) (Royal Academy-Wild Vintage)

John Size maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 41 wins, 22 second placings, 16 third placings, 17 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 237 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 30 winners, 25 second placings, 29 third placings, 33 fourth placings and 38 fifth placings from his 320 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 21 winners, 29 second placings, 26 third placings, 22 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from his 248 starters.

Douglas Whyte continues his dominance in the Jockey’s rankings with a 21 win advantage having recorded 62 wins, 38 second placings, 40 third placings, 31 fourth placings and 23 fifth placings from 316 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 41 winners, 41 second placings, 30 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from his 287 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 32 winners, 21 second placings, 29 third placings, 28 fourth placings and 31 fifth placings from his 233 rides. Glen Boss is in seventh position with 20 winners, 24 second placings, 23 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 245 rides.

Current to 27 February 2008.

The catalogue for the 2008 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale is out now and is available directly from Tattersalls and from all Tattersalls overseas representatives. Numbering 194 lots, the sale will take place from Tuesday 15th April – Thursday 17th April with the two year olds all breezing at Newmarket’s Natwest Rowley Mile Racecourse on the morning of Tuesday 15th April starting at 9.00am. Having produced more Group winners than any other 2007 two year olds in training sale, the 2008 Craven Breeze Up catalogue reflects the sale’s status as Europe’s undisputed premier Breeze Up Sale with no less than 65 of the sires represented already having produced Classic and Group 1 winners including global stars A P INDY, CAPE CROSS, DANEHILL DANCER, DANSILI, DYNAFORMER, ELUSIVE QUALITY, EMPIRE MAKER, GALILEO, GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, GONE WEST, GREEN DESERT, INDIAN RIDGE, INVINCIBLE SPIRIT, JOHANNESBURG, MONTJEU, MR GREELEY, PIVOTAL, RAHY, ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, SADLER’S WELLS, SMART STRIKE, and STREET CRY. In addition the catalogue features own or half brothers and sisters to 45 Group/Listed winners and two year olds from the first crops of Classic/Group 1 winners ACTION THIS DAY, AMERICAN POST, BACHELOR DUKE, ELUSIVE CITY, HAAFHD, LION HEART, MEDAGLIO D’ORO, PLEASANTLY PERFECT, REFUSE TO BEND, and TOCCET. As ever all the leading European exponents of the ‘Breeze Up’ craft are well represented and two previous Irish based sale topping consignors Bansha House Stables and Mocklershill Stables have the largest consignments with 23 apiece. Last year’s sale topping consignor, USA based Kirkwood Stables, returns with another eyecatching team of 10 two year olds, while the two largest British based consignments will come from Malcom Bastard and Jamie Railton with 12 and 11 two year olds respectively. Commenting on the catalogue, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said; "This is another outstanding Craven Breeze Up catalogue, as befits the sale which produced the two year old Group winners RIO DE LA PLATA, FLEETING SPIRIT, SIR GERRY, STRIKE THE DEAL and RAYMI COYA last year. In terms of the number of individual Group winners, last year’s Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale can lay claim to being the best sale of its type in the world and the vendors look to have come up with the goods yet again with a catalogue of truly worldwide appeal. Further good news for purchasers is that the sale does not clash with any other overseas fixtures as it often has in the past. This reflects our new association with William Inglis and Sons in Australia and we are equally pleased also to have avoided the sale at Keeneland." For the fourth consecutive year the ‘breeze’ will be broadcast live on Racing UK as will the first day of the sale. Catalogues can also be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com and each individual breeze will be posted on the Tattersalls website soon after the conclusion of the 'breeze' on Tuesday 17th April.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Alamosa (NZ) (O’Reilly(NZ)-Lodore Mystic(NZ))

2. Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad (GB)-Miss Opera (NZ))

3. Fiscal Madness (NZ) (Volksraad (GB)-Belle Nuite (NZ))

1. Vermilion (El Condor Pasa-Scarlet Lady)

2. Blue Concorde (Fusaichi Concorde-Ebisu Family)

3. Wild Wonder (Brian’s Time-Waltz Dancer)

a second placing for TBNSW members

1. Sacred Kingdom (AUS) (Encosta de Lago-Courtroom Sweetie) bred in VIC

2. Absolute Champion (AUS) (Marauding(NZ)-Beauty Belle) bred by TBNSW member J W 

     Kelly Suffolk Vale & Co

3. Scintillation (AUS) (Danehill(USA)-Subterfuge(GB)) bred in NSW

Sacred Kingdom set up a mouthwatering clash with Hong Kong's best miler, Good Ba Ba, with a dazzling triumph in the Chairman's Sprint Prize on 17 February 2008. A length-and-a-half margin of victory from Absolute Champion* in the second leg of the Champion Sprint Series reaffirmed Sacred Kingdom's position as not just Hong Kong's leading sprinter, but also the best in the world. It also showed last month's defeat was a blip to be filed in the 'one of those things' category. We can now look forward to what is shaping up as the race of the season on 16 March when Sacred Kingdom ups to 1400m for the first time in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup against Good Ba Ba, winner of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile and the Stewards' Cup. On that same date in four weeks the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby 2008 will also unfold and Green Birdie will be a leading player judged on his victory in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial from Helene Mascot. First, though, to the sprinters and Sacred Kingdom who box-seated early on for Gerald Mosse and the race as a contest ended once the pair grabbed the lead over a furlong out. "He's back to his best. It was disappointing he lost last time. There was a delay at the start and he became agitated in the gates and missed the kick. Gerald said the slightly slower track that day also worked against him," trainer Ricky Yiu reflected. Looking ahead, he added: "I'm not worried about 1400m for him. I would just want him to draw a good gate because he settles well when he has cover. Good Ba Ba is a great horse but, dropping back in distance, I'm not sure if he will have the same kick as Sacred Kingdom. It will be an exciting race." The same sentiments also apply to the Derby for which the picture cleared a little further in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial won by Green Birdie. The onetime sprinter made light of a first crack at 1800m to confirm the impression left when a fast finishing fourth in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Classic Mile a month ago. Olivier Doleuze stalked the pace on the Catbird gelding and led with about 100m to race just when it seemed Classic Mile winner Helene Mascot might shake off a recent training setback and prevail. "I think he will be able to stay 2000m in the Derby against his own age group but Green Birdie is going to be very good horse down the road. He will be a top class miler, that's his real distance," said trainer Caspar Fownes. "It's a great result today but I respect Helene Mascot a lot. I think he will be the one to beat in the Derby over a distance that will should him better."

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

(Footnote* - Absolute Champion was bred by TBNSW member J W Kelly Suffolk Vale & Co)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 40 wins, 21 second placings, 15 third placings, 16 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 228 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 28 winners, 24 second placings, 29 third placings, 31 fourth placings and 36 fifth placings from his 308 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 21 winners, 29 second placings, 26 third placings, 21 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from his 241 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead yet again in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 24 win advantage having recorded 60 wins, 37 second placings, 40 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 306 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 36 winners, 37 second placings, 29 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from his 269 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 29 winners, 20 second placings, 28 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 30 fifth placings from his 222 rides. Glen Boss is in seventh position with 20 winners, 23 second placings, 22 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 236 rides.

Current to 20 February 2008.

Catalogues for the inaugural Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale, in association with Tattersalls, are out now and can be viewed on the Tattersalls website at www.tattersalls.com. The sale, which also incorporates the Emirates Racing Authority Horses in Training Sale previously held in May, takes place at Nad Al Sheba racecourse in Dubai on March 4 – 5. The Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale has 41 lots catalogued and four supplementary lots including the Charles O’Brien trained LORD ADMIRAL, recent winner at the Carnival of the Group 3 Al Rashidiya Stakes and Group 1 placed. Others catalogued include the Brazilian Group 1 winners NEPOTISTA, L’AMICO STEVE and EVIL KNIEVEL as well as the South African Group 1 winners GRAND EMPORIUM and KEY OF DESTINY whilst a further 19 of the lots are Group/Listed winners including former Dubai World Cup third CHOCTAW NATION as well as Herman Brown’s GREAT RHYTHM, a winner at the Carnival last year and Group 1 placed in his native South Africa. Leading trainer Mike De Kock is set to offer four lots at the sale including Group 1 Cape Derby runner-up MONEY BAGS whilst other lots which look likely to attract interest include the Erwan Charpy trained French-bred MARIOL who has run well at his only two starts this year at the Carnival including a first past the post effort before stewards demoted him to second. As well as LORD ADMIRAL, the other supplementary lots are Robbie Osborne's multiple Group/Listed winner KING JOCK and the Doug Watson pair ARABIAN PRINCE and T-BIRD. Pedigrees of the supplementary lots can be found on the Tattersalls website and will be distributed at the sale. Catalogues can be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com and are available directly from Martin Talty at the Dubai Racing Club (mtalty@dubairacingclub.com; +971 4 327 0077).

(Tattersalls Media Release)

TBNSW member Darley Australia recorded another Group 1 success when Mission Critical saluted in the Group 1 International Stakes run at Te Rapa, New Zealand on 9 February 2008. Congratulations to Darley Australia. Mission Critical (Fantastic Light(USA)-Trick Taker(USA)) scored from Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad(GB)-Miss Opera(NZ)) with Ombre Rose (NZ) (O’Reilly(NZ)-Lady Chanele(NZ)) third.

a winner for TBNSW members

1. Mission Critical (AUS) (Fantastic Light(USA)-Trick Taker(USA)) bred by Darley Australia

2. Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad(GB)-Miss Opera(NZ))

3. Ombre Rose (NZ) (O’Reilly(NZ)-Lady Chanele)

The Group 1 Waikato Sprint 1400 metres

1. Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross (IRE)-Just Cruising (AUS))

2. Kay's Awake (NZ) (Towkay (AUS)-Wake Up Suzie (NZ))

3. Run Like Al (NZ) (Al Akbar-Night Mare(NZ))

Darley stallions dominated one of New Zealand racing’s biggest racedays at Te Rapa on Saturday, 9 February when Seachange and Mission Critical took out the two Group One races on the card. At this stage of her career, Seachange, now the winner of seven Group One races, needs no introduction, but the daughter of Cape Cross has now put herself in pole position to star on what is arguably the world’s biggest stage at Nad Al Sheba on Dubai World Cup night at the end of March. Over the past three seasons, she has carried all before her in her homeland, having shown top-class form from 1200m to 2040m. Her win on Saturday, at weight-for-age in New Zealand’s most prestigious sprint, has confirmed that she will head for the Dubai Duty Free at the peak of her form. The Fantastic Light colt Mission Critical put himself to the forefront of his country’s Classic generation by outpointing the multiple Group One winner Sir Slick at weight-for-age in the 2000m G1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes. This one-and-three-quarter length victory was an outstanding performance for so unseasoned a horse and he will now line up for the New Zealand Derby as one of the favourites. Mission Critical was bred by Darley Australia out of the Capote mare Trick Taker, a great grand-daughter of the mighty Dahlia. Across the Tasman, it was Exceed And Excel day at Caulfield as his first-crop runners built on the superb start they have made to their racing careers by filling the quinella in both G3 Blue Diamond Preludes. Wilander led home Exceedingly Good in the colts' division with a dominant display of front-running to maintain his unbeaten record. The youngster, a son of the high-class Snippets mare Scandinavia, whose previous offspring include top sprinter Magnus, races in Sheikh Mohammed's colours and was bred by Lee Fleming of Eliza Park Stud. Darley Australia also claimed breeding honours for the winner of the fillies' Blue Diamond Prelude, Believe'N'Succeed, who proved one and three-quarter lengths too good for her paternal half-sister Sugar Babe. Like the runner-up in the colts’ race, Sugar Babe is also already a Stakes winner, having taken out the Debutants Stakes at Caulfield in October. The performances of this quartet has raised the prospect of Exceed And Excel dominating the first two-year-old Group One race of the season as all four should line up in the Blue Diamond in two weeks’ time. On a superb day for Darley-sired runners, the ever reliable Carnegie also got his name on the board when his son Vision And Power notched his second city win of the year by out-battling hot favourite Cape Breton at Rosehill.

(Darley Australia Media Release)

  Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Awards

At the recent Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association annual awards presentation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum was inducted into the Hall-Of-Fame. Other ITBA award winners were:

 

Award	Winner
2 year old Colt	New Approach
3 year old Filly	Peeping Fawn
3 year old Colt	Authorized
Older Horse	Dylan Thomas
Stallion	Accalamation
Broodmare	Park Breeze
Small Breeder	John Haydan
Outstanding Industry Contribution	Fran O’Sullivan
Lifetime Achievement	Pat O’Kelly
Hall of Fame	Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum

The published results for lots 20-38 were reported incorrectly on the Tattersalls website and in the press release. This had a follow-on effect that resulted in incorrect final figures being published. The corrected figures mean that a total of 151 lots were sold for a record 2,312,400 guineas, at an average of 15,314 guineas, up 29% from last year’s record average with a median of 5,200 guineas.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

John Size maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 37 wins, 20 second placings, 14 third placings, 16 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 218 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 28 winners, 23 second placings, 29 third placings, 27 fourth placings and 35 fifth placings from his 297 starters. David Hall is in seventh place with 21 winners, 28 second placings, 23 third placings, 20 fourth placings and 11 fifth placings from his 227 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead again in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 23 win advantage having recorded 58 wins, 35 second placings, 37 third placings, 29 fourth placings and 19 fifth placings from 289 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 35 winners, 34 second placings, 26 third placings, 29 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from his 253 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 29 winners, 19 second placings, 28 third placings, 21 fourth placings and 28 fifth placings from his 209 rides. Glen Boss is in seventh position with 19 winners, 23 second placings, 20 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 224 rides.

Current to 13 February 2008.

History will judge Vengeance Of Rain as one of the greatest horses ever trained in Hong Kong and, in the wake of his recent retirement, last season's Horse of the Year will bid farewell to his many fans at Sha Tin on 17 February. A special presentation will be made to owners Raymond Gianco Chow Hon-man and the Executors of the Estate of the late Chow Nam after Race 4 on 17 February. Members of the public (must be aged 18 or above) will be granted free admission to the Public Enclosure of Sha Tin Racecourse via designated gates by showing a Vengeance Of Rain Octopus Card or wearing a Vengeance Of Rain T-Shirt. Career earnings HK$75.4 million stand Vengeance Of Rain as the greatest money-spinner ever trained in Hong Kong. The bay son of Zabeel won six Group One races, including three at international Group One level: the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup and the joint-richest turf race on the planet, the US$5m Dubai Sheema Classic. He also won the 2005 World Racing Championship. ''He achieved so much and he made everybody connected with him very proud and happy for a very long time. He was at the top for three years - not many horses can do that,'' said Mr Chow. ''He was like a member of the family and we will miss him a lot, but we also believe he will have a very happy retirement where he was born at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand. We are already looking forward to what we hope is the first of many trips to see him.'' Trainer David Ferraris also paid tribute to the horse whose acceleration he likened to ''a sidewinder missile shooting from an F-16 fighter jet'' after his first international victory in the 2005 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup. ''He was the best horse I have ever trained without any question - a real once in a lifetime thoroughbred and he will leave a big hole in the stable. It was just such a pity he had to be retired as he was going so well.'' Looking back, Ferraris nominated last year's triumph in the Sheema Classic as the highlight of his career. ''That was when he was at his peak. We knew he was taking on a top field but were so confident he would win. He was just so well and when he was in that form he was unbeatable,'' the trainer reflected. ''Vengeance Of Rain,'' Mr William A Nader, the Club's Executive Director of Racing, concluded, ''defied convention in many ways. Before he came on the scene Hong Kong horses were better known as sprinters and milers, but he beat the best in the world three times between 10 and 12 furlongs. ''He also proved that it's possible to come back to training after a spell overseas and return better than ever in Dubai last year. He was a unique and very popular horse and we all wish him a very happy retirement.''

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

HOUSE IN WOOD set a new sale record for the Tattersalls February Sale when she was sold for 450,000 guineas with mares the flavour of the day as 153 lots were sold for 2,250,500 guineas, for a new record average of 14,709 guineas and a median of 5,000 guineas. HOUSE IN WOOD had looked the standout lot in the catalogue as the dam of last year’s Grade 1 Garden City Stakes winner ALEXANDER TANGO and in foal to the in-demand stallion OASIS DREAM, and the daughter of WOODMAN did not disappoint. The half-sister to the Group 2 winner HOUSAMIX and the Grade 1 placed HOUSA DANCER realised 450,000 guineas to the bid of Graiguenoe Park Stud’s Philip Brady, after he saw off the efforts of Charlie Gordon-Watson, stood alongside Breeding Capital’s William Sporborg. The Country Tipperary based Brady was buying out his partners in the mare, the group having purchased her at the 2002 Tattersalls December Mare Sale for a mere 32,000 guineas. Three lots earlier the Listed winning FORZANDO mare FORTUNATELY was knocked down to bloodstock agent Will Edmeades for 130,000 guineas after a protracted battle with agent Geoffrey Howson. Consigned from Bill and Tara Dwan’s The Castlebridge Consignment, FORTUNATELY was offered with a covering to GIANT’S CAUSEWAY and is set to head to Chris Budgett’s Kirtlington Stud for an established client of Edmeades. It is rare to see leading trainer Mark Johnston buying mares, but the Middleham based handler signed for WOODLASS for 95,000 guineas after seeing off Plantation Stud’s Kevin Buckley. The daughter of WOODMAN was consigned from Simon Hope’s Aston Mullins Stud with a cover to Juddmonte’s high class stallion DANSILI. Johnston indicated that she would visit Darley’s four-time Group 1 winner SHAMARDAL whom he trained for Sheikh Mohammed and in which he holds a breeding right. At the conclusion of the 2008 Tattersalls February Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "The record top price of 450,000 guineas for the broodmare HOUSE IN WOOD combined with a record average show what a successful fixture the February Sale has become in its short history. "The prevailing global economic climate and the spectre of overproduction in the bloodstock industry have produced an uncertain start to 2008 which makes today’s trade even more pleasing. The Tattersalls December Sale is far and away the European market leader amongst breeding stock sales but today has proved beyond doubt that the February Sale provides a worthy alternative for vendors. Today’s sale has had a genuinely cosmopolitan feel with buyers from throughout Europe and Asia as well as solid domestic demand, and the vendors who have shown faith in this sale have been well rewarded. "As recently as 2002 turnover at this sale was below 500,000 guineas and to break the 2,000,000 guineas barrier for the second consecutive year suggests a sale which can continue to develop and expand further." The next sale at Tattersalls will be the Craven Breeze Up Sale, Europe’s premier two year olds in training sale, which takes place from April 15th – 17th.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

  AFCD gives go-ahead for resumption of horse imports from Australia

The importation of racehorses from Australia to Hong Kong has been given the green light to resume by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and two batches of thoroughbreds bound for Sha Tin are currently in quarantine in Melbourne awaiting shipment. The first group of horses to arrive on 5 February will consist of 12 Privately Purchased Horses (PPs) and Privately Purchased Griffins (PPGs), which have been stranded in Australia since August 2007, so as not to further inconvenience the owners and trainers awaiting their arrival. The second group, which is scheduled to arrive Hong Kong in mid-February, will number 14 horses: 12 for the Hong Kong International Sale Part 2 and two horses for the Subscription Griffin ballot to take place after the HKIS on March 15 at Sha Tin. "We are delighted that the effect of the Equine Influenza virus has run its course in Australia and soon we can return to our normal import protocols," said Mr William A Nader, the Club’s Executive Director of Racing. "At the start of the current season some 40 per cent of the Hong Kong racehorse population are Australian-bred; last season we imported over 120 racehorses from Australia. These figures illustrate how vital these shipments are to our industry and it has been six months since our last import. It will be great to get things back to normal." Imports from Australia will initially depart only from Melbourne where it is an Equine Influenza free area. Those based in New South Wales or Queensland must first enter quarantine in their home state before entering pre-export quarantine in Victoria and eventually shipping to Hong Kong. Direct shipments from Sydney will recommence at a date to be decided by the Hong Kong agricultural authorities.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club Media Release)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 34 wins, 19 second placings, 13 third placings, 15 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 208 starters. John Moore is in third place with 28 winners, 22 second placings, 28 third placings, 27 fourth placings and 32 fifth placings from his 285 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 19 winners, 28 second placings, 22 third placings, 19 fourth placings and 11 fifth placings from his 217 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 20 win advantage having recorded 54 wins, 34 second placings, 35 third placings, 26 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from 271 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 34 winners, 34 second placings, 24 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 14 fifth placings from his 239 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 29 winners, 19 second placings, 27 third placings, 21 fourth placings and 27 fifth placings from his 201 rides. Glen Boss is in eighth position with 18 winners, 19 second placings, 20 third placings, 22 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from his 209 rides.

Current to 2 February 2008.

  2008 NZB National Yearling Sale Summary

At the end of a spectacular week of selling at the 82nd National Yearling Sales Series, the final figures across the three sales sessions show staggering returns to the industry. In the final analysis, New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Sales Series has grossed $111,148,850, a massive $30m and 36% increase on total turnover last year of $81,375,700 which, at 24% growth on the previous year, was also a record. With 1555 horses catalogued across the Premier, Select and Festival Sales it was the largest offering at Karaka since 2002 (1734), and 193 more than last year. Of these, 1171 were sold for a new record combined average of $94,918, up 19% on the previous record set last year of $79,546. This also reflects a new record clearance rate for the entire Sales Series of 83%, up from the previous record of 82% set in 2004 and equalled last year.

Karaka 2008 Combined Results 

Top Price

The strength of the middle market was evidenced at every session of the sales week, with a new record median and clearance rate posted in each case. The Premier Sale median climbed a massive 36% from $110,000 to $150,000 (just shy of last year's record average of $156,567); the Select Sale increased by 14% from $42,000 to $48,000 (also just off last year's average of $49,715); and the Festival Sale followed in a similar vein to post a new record median of $12,000, up 20% on last year's $10,000. Despite just one horseselling for over $1 million, there was also strength at the top end of the market in each of the three sessions. This was particularly noticeable at the Select and Festival Sales which both boasted new record top prices. In addition, at the Select Sale 14 horses sold for $200,000 or more versus just one in 2007, and at the Festival Sale 29 horses were sold for $40,000 or more compared with just six the previous year. The top five lots of the sale were:

(New Zealand Bloodstock Release)

The Dubai Racing Club and Europe’s leading auction house Tattersalls have entered into a partnership that promises to add a new dimension to the Dubai International Racing Carnival. The Dubai Racing Club has announced that from this year, the annual Horses In Training Sale in Dubai will be moved forward and include a DIRC Session whereby horses that have competed at the Carnival can be put up for auction. The Sale will now be held on Tuesday March 4 and Wednesday March 5, preceding the Super Thursday meeting at Nad Al Sheba on March 6. "We are excited to have a global brand such as Tattersalls join us with this initiative," said Dubai Racing Club CEO Frank Gabriel Jr. "We have seen the Carnival grow enormously since its inception in 2004 and this is another step forward. "The new session of the sale is open to all horses who were eligible to race during the Carnival and with the quality of horses we have had here in 2008, it promises to attract the attention of buyers worldwide." Approximately 200 international horses have arrived, or are due to arrive, in Dubai for this year’s Carnival, the majority of which are rated 100 or above, the mark equating to international Listed level. "With the growth of the Carnival, has come an ever increasing demand from owners to have horses compete here and this is a prime opportunity for them to purchase a Carnival candidate for the following year,’ Gabriel Jr added. "Buyers from around the world are welcome and we hope to have as many of them in Dubai for the Sale and to stay for the Super Thursday meeting on March 6 which promises to be yet another outstanding night of racing. "Everyone in the world of racing knows of the Tattersalls name and by linking with such a prestigious company, it allows us to reach their strong client base." Commenting on the appointment, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said: "The Dubai International Racing Carnival continues to go from strength to strength and we are honoured that the Dubai Racing Club has chosen Tattersalls as its partner for the inaugural Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale. "The quality and diversity of the catalogue promises to appeal to a wide cross section of international buyers and we are looking forward enormously to this new initiative with the Dubai Racing Club."

(Tattersalls Media Release)

The third and final day of New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Select Sale concluded a strong week of selling at Karaka, with new record figures boasting continued strength to the thoroughbred market. With Friday's trade steadier than the action-packed days earlier in the week, still the Select Sale has posted a new record average, median and aggregate. The takings for the three-day Select Sale are NZ$28,839,500 for 483 young horses sold from the 659 on offer, up 33% on the final turnover last year of NZ$21,626,000 for 435 lots sold. The final average price of NZ$59,709 reflects a 20% increase on last year's record average of NZ$49,715, which had increased a whopping 44% on the previous year. In a similar fashion this year's median finished up at NZ$48,000, up 14% from last year's record of NZ$42,000. The final clearance rate was 79%, down from last year's 81.6%. The statistics for the sale are as follows:

2008 Select Sale Statistics

Top Price

(NZTM Media Release)

ONE of Australia's most respected judges of thoroughbred quality, leading bloodstock agent Kieran Moore, purchased a colt for $220,000, the second highest price of the opening session of the Select section of the prestigious annual New Zealand yearling sales last week, which was bred only five minutes drive away from his home at Scone in the Hunter Valley. A son of Amalfi, the winner of the 2001 Victorian Derby in one of the fastest times since the race was switched to 2500m in 1973, and Disco Girl, a handy Melbourne 2-year-old by the Sir Tristram Golden Slipper winner Marauding, the yearling was bred on the bustling Ilala Stud adjacent the highway on the southern boundary of Scone. Ilala is a stud that was established four years ago by George Fraser opposite the family's historic St Aubins, a leading Australian stud in the middle of last century when owned by his great grandfather W.J. Smith. He stood for a time the English horse Beau Pere, one who sired top performers from use in New Zealand, Australia and finally America. The Ilala Stud is currently home for eight sires, including Amalfi, all of which are on modest fees. In fact Amalfi stood the 2007 season on $8,800, a fee that appears remarkable value for a well bred winner of arguably Australia's greatest classic who is yet to have runners. It is one that is less than half the commission payable on his $220,000 New Zealand yearling, one of best returners as far as selling price and service fee at the sale. So far, the small number of yearlngs by Almalfi sold have averaged $140,000. Amalfi has the rare record of being put over two mares while still in training in 2003 and 2004 for a 100% strike rate of four live foals, none of which have raced. He was moved on retirement from racing to Ilala in 2005 for his first proper season, one in which he was restricted by his owners to a book of 25, but then put over 63 mares in 2006. The result of the 2005 matings are current yearlings and include, the one that made the $220,000 in New Zealand and seven, a colt and six fillies, listed for the Magic Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale commencing March 24. All but one is in the consignment from the Ilala Stud. Amalfi is one of four Group1 winners got in Australia by the Sadler's Wells world class middle distance performer Carnegie, the others being Carnegie Express (won the Rosehill and Canterbury Guineas and second in the AJC Australian Derby), Tuesday Joy (won STC Coolmore Classic, second Victoria Oaks and third AJC Australian Derby and Oaks) and Perlin (successful in the Doomben Cup and MRC Underwood Stakes). Like his dam Detroit, a winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Carnegie got Amalfi from Rationaine, a Sydney winner by Centaine and from Rationale, an Ellerslie Guineas winner and Avondale Cup second by Sound Reason. The pedigree contains only one dose of Northern Dancer and this is through his greatest European sire son, Sadler's Wells. Ilala Stud has two Australian bred Group1 performing representatives of the Sadler's Wells male line in its stallion yards. Only retired last year, the other is Oh Oklahoma, a lightly raced winner of three Sydney sprint distance races, two of them at two, and a neck second in the Rosehill Guineas. He is by Singspiel (by one of the best Sadler's Wells sires, In The Wings), a Group 1 winner in four countries whose successes included the Japan and Dubai World Cups. He not only won the rich Dubai event, but has gone on to be represented by a winner of it. Oh Oklahoma is from More Natural, a daughter of Naturalism, an Australian champion who also included in his efforts a second in the Japan Cup. More Natural's dam was by Golden Slipper winner Star Watch.

(This article courtesy of Brian Russell’s Racing & Breeding News)