Prime Minister to Open Karaka 2011

Prime Minister John Key is set to show his support for the New Zealand thoroughbred industry by providing the official opening of New Zealand Bloodstock's 85th National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka on 31 January.

The Prime Minister will provide the opening address prior to the first of 1622 lots going under the hammer at 11am on Auckland Anniversary Day.

He will also attend the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at the Auckland Racing Club's Ellerslie Racecourse on Sunday 30 January to present to the winning connections of the country's richest two-year-old race, the one million dollar 'Karaka Million'.

New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd's Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela said the auction house is honoured to have the Prime Minister in attendance this year.

"The Karaka Sale is such a crucial week of the year for thoroughbred breeders throughout the country that having the Government's support is greatly appreciated by everyone who works so hard to showcase our industry to the world that week."

"We also welcome hundreds of bloodstock buyers from all over the world to New Zealand for Sales week and this gesture is a great way to show our appreciation for their invaluable support."

In January 2010 the Karaka Sales bucked the trend of thoroughbred sales - and many other industries - around the world when it posted its second best result ever, selling 1129 horses for $93,567,400, a 25% increase on the previous year.

In 2011, New Zealand Bloodstock's seven-day auction showcase starts with the two-day Premier Sale (31 January & 1 February) where over 500 thoroughbreds, representing the cream of the Australasian yearling crop, will be offered for sale.

The Karaka Premier Sale will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 3 in New Zealand, and on TVN in Australia.

Selling at the Premier Sale is immediately followed by the three-day Select Sale (2 - 4 February) and the two-day Festival Sale (6 & 7 February). All sessions are open to the public with selling commencing from 11am each day.

For catalogues, news and sale information from New Zealand Bloodstock visit www.nzb.co.nz or contact Marketing Executive Jessie Gower ([email protected]).