Book 1 of Karaka 2026 took place on 25 and 26 January at the Karaka Sales Centre, the iconic week on the international sales calendar marking the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand. 

Karaka 2026 marked the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and it was one for the record books. After an action-packed refreshed format, results have been accumulated from the Book 1, Book 2 and inaugural Karaka Summer Sale sessions. The new condensed sale format saw several records being surpassed and increases across all key sale indicators. With 79 less horses catalogued, turnover was up almost $10 million on last year, with returns to consignors and breeders totalling over $96 million. Increases were also seen across the combined average of $127,774 (11%), $85,000 median (6%) and clearance rate of 83%, showcasing the strength across the entire Sale and at all levels of the market.