Strong Demand Drives 2026 National Online Weanling Sale

With a new online format and condensed catalogue, NZB Standardbred's National Weanling Sale that took place on standardbred.gavelhouse.com on Wednesday night saw strong demand during the online trade.

45 weanlings went under the digital hammer resulting in a 95% clearance rate.

NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray was pleased with the results and is confident it is the right direction for the future of the National Weanling Sale.

“We had a taste of the online format during Covid, and it was very successful then too. The clearance rate for this Sale has always been particularly strong, indicating the industry’s desire to invest in weanlings.”

“That gives us confidence that the new format would be just as strong going forward, which allows vendors from all of New Zealand to offer weanlings at a lower production cost.

With strong competition seen from the opening of bidding, Bray complimented the vendors for their efforts.

“I was very pleased to see the amount of bidding activity there was nationwide and from Australia right from the outset.”

“It’s a credit to the vendors for having the media and information online early for prospective buyers.”

The highlight of the Sale came early when Mark Jones secured Lot 16 for a Sale-topping $65,000. The daughter of Art Major from Trigirl Brigade was offered by Alabar.

Alabar also produced the second highest-priced weanling. Lot 24, a filly by Aways B Miki out of Alchemax, who was purchased by Mitchell Roberston for $45,000

Not far behind was Lot 35, a strong colt by Art Major from Americal Ideal mare Ideal Reality, who was bought by JB Bloodstock for $44,000.

All weanlings purchased are eligible to be entered for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one-million-dollar prizepool. Entries close Friday 5 June 2026.

For more information about the Sale or to enquire about Passed Lots, contact Standardbred Manager Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or email [email protected].

View the full Sale results here.

Attention now turns to the 2027 National Yearling Sale set to take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Monday 15 February from and at the RDA Building in Christchurch on Wednesday 17 February.

Entries for the 2027 National Yearling Sale will open on 1 July 2026 via the NZB Standardbred Portal.
 

	2026 National Online Weanling Sale
AGGREGATE	$519,825
AVERAGE	$12,377
MEDIAN	$7,500
CLEARANCE	95%
CATALOGUED	45
OFFERED	44
SOLD	42
TOP LOT	Lot 16 Art Major - Trigirl Brigade (B.F) $65,000