Fresh off the back of another record-breaking Ready to Run Sale, the cream of New Zealand’s yearling crop has been revealed for a landmark Karaka 2026, with a total of 1009 yearlings catalogued.
The catalogue for Karaka 2026 is now online.
Karaka 2026 will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 25 - 29 January, marking the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
New Zealand’s climate and countryside provide a fertile breeding ground for thoroughbred excellence, and blockbuster performances by Kiwi-bred horses on major stages across Australasia and Asia in recent times have given ample reason for buyers from around the world to converge on Karaka in January.
In the history of the 100 years of the NZB National Yearling Sale, many legends of the racetrack have emerged. Among the historic names Phar Lap (NZ), Rising Fast (NZ), Tulloch (NZ), Dulcify (NZ), Octagonal (NZ) and So You Think (NZ).
The pedigrees contained in the catalogues for Karaka 2026 have all the right credentials for more names to be added to the list.
Featuring a refreshed format, Book 1 will be conducted across two days, composing a total of 567 yearlings.
Book 2 then immediately commences with a further 281 yearlings. Then a third session has also been re-introduced with 161 yearlings catalogued to sell on the Thursday in a session known as the Karaka Summer Sale.
“Coming off the back of what was an incredible week for the Ready to Run Sale, there is sense of momentum building ahead of Karaka 2026,” commented NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook.
“The support and interest from people eager to attend in January, including those that have not been here in a few years is very encouraging, and a sign of how incredible the milestone of 100 National Yearling Sales is.
“Auction houses are renowned for claiming they have assembled their best yearling catalogue, but I’m confident that rings true this year given the increased vendor support, the smaller numbers catalogued and tough selection decisions, which naturally has increased the quality across the board.
“We’re also incredibly proud of the New Zealand-bred and Karaka graduates over the last twelve months, as they just continue to get results and prove themselves wherever they race.”
The week of Karaka 2026 is set to kick off with Book 1, which runs from Sunday 25 January to Monday 26 January with selling starting at 10am each day. Book 2 will start at 10am on Tuesday 27 January while the Karaka Summer Sale will take place from 11am on Thursday 29 January.
“We look forward to seeing everyone back at Karaka to celebrate the 100th National Yearling Sale, and of course to view an incredible line up of yearlings. If there was ever a year to ensure you’re at Karaka, this is it.”