Thursday, 6th February 2025
All enquiries - Gary Knowles 0406 599 773
New Zealand’s Hallmark Stud is once again set to capture attention at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales, where Mark Baker hopes to repeat last year’s triumph. In 2024, the farm made headlines when a Proisir filly, a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Prowess, sold for an extraordinary $1.6 million to Peter Moody Racing. Now, with Lot 564 – another full-sister to Prowess – poised to enter the Karaka ring, anticipation is running high, according to NZ Racing Desk. Reflecting on the unforgettable sale, Baker still finds the result hard to fathom. “It’s hard to believe it happened and you’ve still got to pinch yourself,” he said. “We dreamt of seven figures, and when she made that, it was completely off the chain. It was amazing for the farm, the staff, the family – we got a huge buzz. We are very grateful to the heavy hitters that were bidding on her, both the underbidders and Peter Moody who purchased her for his client.” Donna Marie, the mare behind these outstanding fillies, has proven invaluable. Lot 564, a dark brown filly with a great brain and balanced movement, is expected to shine late in Book 1. Baker is equally thrilled about another full-sister now at foot. “She’s been a brilliant mare to us, as has [the stallion] Proisir,” he added. Hallmark’s draft includes 18 yearlings in Book 1 and five in Book 2, with standouts like Lot 521, a Too Darn Hot half-sister to Group 2 winner Shamus, and Lot 120, a Savabeel full-brother to promising stayer Hakkinen. Baker highlighted the diverse appeal of their offerings. “We’ve got a lovely Almanzor colt out of Lismore Diamond, a Capitalist filly out of Miss Foxwood, and some very precocious types, including a couple of St Mark’s Basilica’s. There’s something for everyone,” he said. With parades commencing Tuesday and the sale kicking off Sunday, Baker is optimistic. “They’ve all travelled brilliantly, and the team at New Zealand Bloodstock always does a great job. Hopefully, the horses will show themselves off well and give themselves every chance.”
