WS enjoys another bumper Book 1 sale

Premier Waikato nursery Waikato Stud has again ended the Book 1 session of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale as the leading vendor by aggregate.

A multiple winner of the title, the Matamata farm claimed the 2024 crown, selling 59 yearlings for a total turnover of $8,730,000 at an average of $147,966 with a top price of $620,000 for the colt out of Simply You purchased by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

“The Australians were very busy, but the domestic buying bench were big supporters of ours this year. Those guys are gearing up for all that positivity that’s to come,” Mark Chittick said.

He paid tribute to his staff for their endeavours in the lead-up and during the sale.

“It’s been a busy time and we did just short of 10,000 individual parades, you could feel the vibe with what’s going on in the industry,” Chittick said.

“It’s been very, very busy getting the horses through and sold and the team have just done an incredible job.”

Stud stalwart Savabeel’s progeny were again in strong demand with three lots selling in excess of $600,000 while his young associate sire Super Seth surpassed that with a $700,000 yearling.

“Savabeel has had another good season and sale and he’s 22 now and with a horse like Super Seth we took on a challenge, we paid $15 million for him so hopefully he follows in Savabeel’s footsteps,” Chittick said.

He also acknowledged the popularity of a host of New Zealand-based stallions through the three days of Book 1.

“The competition is so healthy with the strength of stallions in New Zealand, it’s probably the best we’ve had for some time,” Chittick said.