Arna didn’t miss a beat at the National Standardbred Yearling Sales.
It started at Karaka with the purchase of Lot 113 - Bettor’s Delight / Running On Faith. Being by Bettor’s out of a multiple Group 1 winning mare he ticked all the boxes. We purchased his half brother last year and with the promise he’s shown we always had this colt in mind. He’ll be raced by a large group of owners including BetaVet a NZ based company that provides natural solutions to the equine industry.
After a busy day at Karaka I jumped on the plane to Christchurch. With colts again being the order of the day, I secured 2 more purchases.
Firstly, it was Lot 360 – Art Major / Miss Elsie. This guy was a real standout and had the breeding to match. He’s also out of a group performer who has gone on to leave some nice progeny. Co-owner of Taipo – Anne McBeth has taken a 50% share in this colt. We’ve been fortunate enough to fill the rest of him with both existing and new owners.
A horse who I had marked out in the catalogue weeks earlier was Lot 402 – Rock N Roll Heaven / Smiles For Miles. I was taken with his looks and the way he was presented by Chelsea Faithful. I’ll race him with my good friends Helen and Willy Villiger. Sandi Curtin (wife of Jimmy) has also taken a small share which speaks volumes given their breaking him in! Let’s hope we’re onto a winner.
We secured a fourth lot following the conclusion of the sale. A colt that I had earmarked Lot 343 – Art Major / Le Girl had been passed in. Again, he was a striking individual with stacks of breeding, being out of a full sister to group performer De Lovely. This colt sold out quick. A big group will race him which includes two of my staff members – Ayumi and Ange so clearly, they were taken with him.
Thanks to all our existing and new owners for your support in purchasing these colts. We’ll be doing everything we can to make this a successful journey.
