LA NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2008
Karaka Sales
Congratulations to New Zealand Bloodstock for bringing together all the ingredients for such a strong sale across all seven days. Blessed with outstanding weather, Karaka certainly had a real buzz to it this year. At times standing outside the LA tent you could have sworn you were on Lambton Quay or Queen Street at lunchtime on a Friday!
Despite having to withdraw four of LA's leading Premier colts prior to the sale, Sam was very pleased with the overall results. "We bring our horses to sell and we've met the market" comments Sam.
There were some great results for stud clients too. Alan Jackson, a brand new investor got off to a superb start selling his Lion Heart - Crisp colt (pictured right) in the Select Sale for $200,000. The mare cost Alan $90,000 in Victoria last year and is back in foal to O'Reilly. Keep an eye out for an article on Alan in the next edition of New Zealand Thoroughbred.
Long time client Lorraine Jamieson also had plenty to celebrate. Her O Reilly - Kincia filly fetching $135,000 in the Select Sale.
As expected, competition for Rios's half brother was strong with the astute Alan Sharrock beating off plenty of local opposition including Rios's connections, finally landing the Volksraad - Gussy Godiva colt for $140,000.
On the back of another strong season domestically and in Asia, resident stallion Towkay had a most pleasing sale, averaging $103,000 in Premier and $55,000 in Select. That's good value for breeders off his 2005 service fee of $5,000.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club, no doubt aiming to find another Armada or Happee Owner paid $110,000 for the Towkay - Clermont Lass colt (pictured left). Unfortunately, Tycoon (Towkay-Clermont Lass), such an impressive winner on debut over Christmas, was scratched from his next assignment at Ellerslie on Millions night. Another strong effort there and Monday's result in the sale ring may have been even sweeter.
Local buyer Peter Walker paid the top price for a Towkay during the sale when securing the close relation to his former fine racemare Tycoon Lil, the filly from Millie Munroe for $150,000. The other exciting Towkay sale was Pip McCarroll and LA's Towkay - Ashley Downs colt which sold for $100,000 to LA O'Sullivan.
Charlie just thrived up at Karaka. He seemed to love all the attention and marveled at all the crowds and chatter. The staff had done a tremendous job and when the No Excuse Needed - Soneri colt entered the ring a little after 1pm on the last day off the Select Sale, more than a few buyers came scurrying out of the bar and away from earnest conversations to check out the smart looking chestnut colt. After some spirited bidding, Foxton trainer David Haworth, secured Charlie for $60,000. Charlie ended up being the top priced lot by his sire from 13 yearlings sold during the Select Sale, quite an achievement when you consider a number of those came forward from Waikato Stud and their black type broodmares. Charlie, you maybe gone but you are not forgotten by the staff with your inquisitive and cheeky nature. At least with you trained down the road, we'll be able to see how you get on and slip you the odd peppermint when David's not looking.
Race Results
Kay's Awake must certainly rank as one of the most genuine sprinters seen in NZ for many a year. Her third group one placing came during January when second to Seachange in the 1200m Telegraph Handicap at Trentham. If it's not Darci Brahma then it's Dick Karremans fine mare that the daughter of Towkay seems to find just a little better on the day. She goes next to Te Rapa on Saturday for the Group One Waikato Draught Sprint at 1400m.
Winners locally for Towkay during the last month included Taiko, Replicate, Geordie Girl and No Parole who made it three in a row when scoring over 1000m at Riccarton despite the impost of 58kgs.
O Reilly Rally (O Reilly - Rivertaine) made it three wins from just seven starts when scoring over 1400m in Hong Kong during January. Top jockey Brett Prebble who has always made it known how highly he rates the LA bred colt, had this to offer after his latest win
"I think he'll make into a top-class 2000-metre horse. That's how he feels to me. Look at how much ground he stands over. He doesn't look like a sprinter and he certainly doesn't feel like one either."
Rivertaine was without a yearling this season but has a Pins filly foal at foot.
The last month has seen a couple of stakes performances; one from an LA bred horse and the other, from a daughter of Towkay. Philosophe (Zabeel - Sound Lover) ran second at Randwick over 2000m in a listed event. And on Waitangi Day, Lady Cavalier(Towkay - Malahide) earned her connections valuable black-type with a strong third in the Listed First Sovereign Wairarapa Breeders Stakes at 1600m. Sound Lover has a yearling Savabeel filly which LA has retained and a Pins colt at foot which heads for Karaka next year.
Finally, it's been some month for the family of LA broodmares Cent From Heaven and her daughter the group winning Eloa. As well as been a sister to the dam of Alamosa (O Reilly -Lodore Mystic) who continued on his winning way with a beating of the older horses in the Group One Thorndon Mile, Cent From Heaven's son, the Te Parae bred Winning Fellowship registered his third win in Hong Kong. Cent From Heaven has an outstanding Pins filly foal at foot.
Sydney Sales
Due to EI the traditional Easter date for these sales moves out a month. The yearling sale runs from 20 - 24 April. LA will be taking Zabeel - Dancing Daze filly Savabeel - Steluta colt Zabeel - Rites of Spring colt For more on the above click here Sydney Yearlings http://www.lastud.co.nz/plugins/SP_salesyard/sales.php?page=0&sale=18 The broodmare sale which runs from 4 - 6 May is a wonderful opportunity to pick up a nice mare from a current family. Bruce Perry Bloodstock will be in attendance and we would encourage you to contact Bruce if you require any assistance in sourcing a suitable opportunity.
Great to see you all at Karaka and good luck with the purchases. We look forward to keeping everyone up to date with their progress. A very special day is ahead with the wedding of Sam's cousin Angela Williams on 22nd February, no doubt we'll see a few of you there!
