Karaka Filly Attracts Key International Buyer

While international buyers weren’t able to be present at Karaka for New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale this week, Te Akau principal David Ellis ensured an international flavour wasn’t missing. The leading buyer was given instructions to purchase the best filly on the complex by Coolmore Principal John Magnier, and he believes he did just that when securing Lot 94, the Zoustar filly out of Group 1 performer Scintillula, from Pencarrow Stud’s Book 1 draft for $800,000. While Te Akau has trained for the global thoroughbred powerhouse in the past, Ellis said this is the first time Magnier has purchased a yearling in partnership with Ellis’ New Zealand operation. “John Magnier, who owns Coolmore Stud, said that he wanted to support Karaka this year and he wanted to take a share in my best filly,” Ellis said. “He has got a good-sized share in the Zoustar filly with Te Akau as we thought that she was the best horse in the sale.” Further international flavour will be added to the filly’s ownership, with Ellis confirming a Hong Kong client will take a 50 percent share. While the filly proved popular and reached $800,000, Ellis was prepared to extend further in order to secure her. “We thought we would have to go to $1 million to buy her. We thought she would be the sales topping filly, and we are pretty happy to get her for $800,000."

Lot 94 sold for $800,000 (pic: nzb.co.nz)