27 Jan 2014

Thoroughbred sells for $800,000

3:00 pm on 27 January 2014

A top thoroughbred has sold for $800,000 at the annual Karaka yearling sales.

The auctions began on Monday. About 14,00 horses are for sale this week and

Bloodstock New Zealand marketing executive Jesse Gower says it is a great result that reflects high bidding throughout the day and is the highest price reached so far.

Two other horses are tipped to pass the $500,000 mark.

One of New Zealand's most successful stallions, Zabeel, retired from stud last year, making these sales the last chance for buyers to acquire his offspring.

Half of the horses sold at the sales will go to Australia.

New Zealand fillies make up five percent of the race horses in Australia and win about 25 percent of the time.