For a thoroughbred auction house to have longevity, it must have success with its graduates on the racetrack. As we reflect on one hundred years of the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, this book pays homage to the talent that emerged from each sale, highlighting the alumnus with the most glittering racing career.

The sheer caliber of the New Zealand thoroughbred that has consistently been brought to market at the National Yearling Sale across the span of a century is quite spectacular. Check out the best performed graduates from the 2017 - 2026 sales below. The full printed copy of this catalogue of best performers is available to purchase online here at shop.nzb.co.nz and at the Merchandise Store during Karaka 2026.

2017: AVANTAGE (LOT 50)

**AVANTAGE**

Fastnet Rock — Asavant, Filly
Breeder — Mrs K.N. & W. Calder
Vendor — The Oaks Stud, Cambridge
Purchaser — D.C. Ellis, Te Akau
Purchase Price — $210,000
Top Price — $825,000

Oyster fisherman Willie Calder and his wife Karen from Bluff bred Avantage from their mare Asavant, having purchased the granddam, Pins ‘n’ Needles, from the 2002 South Island Sale as a yearling. Purchased by David Ellis, Avantage was raced by the Te Akau Avantage Syndicate and Chris Grace to win a remarkable nine Group 1s.

Avantage won back-to-back 2YO races at Riccarton for trainer Jamie Richards, and won again at Ellerslie before taking the coveted 2018 $1m Karaka Millions 2YO. She ran second in the Gr.1 ARC Diamond Stakes, then won the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.

At three, she won the Gr.3 Hawke's Bay Gold Trail Stakes. Then, in Sydney, she won the Gr.3 ATC Birthday Card Stakes and ran third in the Gr.2 ATC Arrowfield 3YO Sprint behind Classique Legend.

Wins at four included the 2020 Gr.1 WRC Telegraph Hcp, Gr.1 Otaki Maori RC WFA Stakes and she completed the season with a dominant victory in the Gr.1 ARC Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes.

At five, she opened her season with a win in the 2020 Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate. During the Hastings Triple Crown she was placed third in the first leg, followed by seconds to Melody Belle in the last two legs. She then won four successive Group 1’s, the 2021 ARC Railway Stakes, WRC Telegraph Hcp, Waikato Sprint and the Otaki Maori WFA Stakes. She ran second to Melody Belle in the Gr.1 ARC Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, then won her ninth career Group 1 in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Rapa.

Retired after one start at six, she was sold to Coolmore Australia for $4.1 million on NZB's online platform gavelhouse.com.

Race Record — 28:16-6-2
Earnings — A$2,001,714
NZ Champion 2YO 2017-18, NZ Leading 3YO Filly on 2018-19 International Ratings

2018: PROBABEEL (LOT 203)

**PROBABEEL**

Savabeel — Far Fetched, Filly
Breeder — G.J. Chittick
Vendor — Waikato Stud, Matamata
Purchaser — D.C. Ellis, Te Akau
Purchase Price — $380,000
Top Price — $1,025,000

The pedigree of Probabeel traces back to a broodmare that breeder, Garry Chittick, purchased in America, a Pakistan II mare bred in New Zealand named Georgina Belle. Prior to returning to New Zealand, she was sent to England where she was mated with Habat. The resultant foal named Habania, who raced successfully for Chittick in Australia, is the 4th dam of Probabeel. Distinctively Waikato Stud bred, by Savabeel out of a Pins mare, out of a Centaine mare, out of an O’Reilly mare, Probabeel was purchased by David Ellis, before being on sold to the under-bidders, Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud.

Trained by Jamie Richards, Probabeel broke her maiden at start two, returning to Ellerslie to win again in January, before bolting clear to win the 2019 $1m Karaka Millions 2YO.

In Sydney at three, she was beaten by Funstar in the Gr.2 ATC Tea Rose Stakes and the Gr.1 ATC Flight Stakes. Returning home, she had an effortless win at Awapuni then returned to Ellerslie to win the 2020 $1m Karaka Millions 3YO, becoming the first to complete the rich Karaka Millions double. Back in Sydney, she won the Gr.1 ATC Surround Stakes defeating Funstar, and ran seconds in the Gr.2 ATC Phar Lap Stakes and Gr.1 ATC Vinery Stud Stakes.

Continuing in Sydney at four, Probabeel was second in the Gr.3 ATC Show County Hcp, then ran 1:22.64 to win the Gr.3 ATC Bill Ritchie Hcp. She then won the Gr.1 ATC Epsom Hcp, again beating Funstar in a slashing 1:32.86. In Melbourne, she won the Gr.3 Geoffery Bellmaine Stakes and the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes from Arcadia Queen. Back in Sydney, she was second in the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes.

At five, in Melbourne, she again won fresh up in the Gr.3 WW Cockram Stakes, and two

starts later chased Zaaki home for a second in the Gr.1 Underwood Stakes, followed by a tough effort to win the Gr.1 Might and Power Stakes (Caulfield Stakes). After a break, she won her second Gr.3 MRC Geoffery Bellmaine Stakes. Retired, she has since produced two fillies at stud.

Race Record — 29:13-8-0
Earnings — A$4,354,006
NZ Horse of the Year 2021 & 2022

2019: ATISHU (LOT 316)

**ATISHU**

Savabeel — Posy, Filly
Breeder — Waikato Stud
Vendor — Waikato Stud, Matamata
Purchaser — Go Racing, Auckland
Purchase Price — $260,000
Top Price — $1,400,000

Purchased by Albert Bosma of Go Racing Syndications, Lot 316, cleverly named Atishu, was raced by the Go Racing Ring A Ring Syndicate.

Although trialled at two, trainer Stephen Marsh kept Atishu until early August as a 3YO, and she placed three times including second in the Listed Wanganui Guineas. Her last four starts during the autumn resulted in four consecutive wins, the last two at Listed level.

Transferred to Chris Waller in Sydney, she scored first up at Randwick, and two starts later took out the Gr.3 Bill Ritchie Hcp followed by a fair sixth in the Gr.1 Epsom Hcp. She finished her 4YO season with three third placings which included the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup and the Listed Scone Cup.

At five, she won Flemington’s Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes and placed in the Listed Ballarat Cup and Gr.2 ATC The Ingham. In the autumn, she ran second in the Gr.2 ATC Emancipation Stakes before landing the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes.

As a 6YO, she ran seconds in both the Gr.2 ATC Golden Pendant and Gr.1 VRC Empire Rose Stakes, before winning against an outstanding field in the Gr.1 VRC Champions Stakes, also known as the LKS Mackinnon Stakes. Back in Melbourne the following February, she won the Gr.2 VRC Blamey Stakes and ran third in the Gr.1 VRC Australian Cup, before completing the season with a second in the Gr.1 ATC Queen of the Turf Stakes.

Returning at seven, she ran third in the Gr.1 MRC Might and Power Stakes, before winning the Gr.1 VRC Empire Rose Stakes where she had a great battle with Amelia’s Jewel. Seven days later, attempting to defend her 2023 VRC Champions Stakes crown, she ran second to champion Via Sistina. Four autumn starts included a solid third in the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes before her retirement.

Race Record — 51:11-8-9
Earnings — A$5,925,433

2020: NOVERRE (LOT 79)

**NOVERRE**

Savabeel — Magic Dancer, Colt
Breeder — Chittick Investments Ltd
Vendor — Waikato Stud Ltd, Matamata
Purchaser — D.C. Ellis, Te Akau
Purchase Price — $800,000
Top Price — $900,000

There were great expectations surrounding Lot 79 at the 2020 National Yearling Sale. By Savabeel, from the Group 3 winner Magic Dancer, the colt was a magnificent representative of his already accomplished sire. The stunning dark brown colt captivated many potential buyers, in particular Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis, whose success with the progeny of Savabeel was considerable. The colt added to the honour roll of top achievers bred at Waikato Stud by the Chittick family.

As a 2YO, Noverre finished second on debut at Matamata, then broke his maiden at Whanganui. At Te Rapa, for the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes, he reared at the start and took no part.

The following September, back at Te Rapa fresh up, Noverre secured a solid third after an awkward start, before a brief campaign to Riccarton. In the CJC Inglewood Stud Guineas Trial he was strong to the line from well back to run third. He then lined up in the Gr.3 CJC War Decree Stakes for a powerful win. The Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas saw Noverre pitted against future star sprinter I Wish I Win and future Group 1 winner Dark Destroyer. Last into the straight, he was pulled wide, levelled up at the 100m then bolted clear to win by almost three lengths.

Sadly, that was his last race, having sustained ligament damage not long after his classic triumph. Soon after, Waikato Stud announced their purchase of the colt, and he returned to his birth place to stand alongside his legendary sire Savabeel.

His first yearlings were offered in 2025 with 16 lots averaging $135,625 and selling up to $310,000 at Karaka.

Race Record — 7:3-2-1
Earnings — $355,150

2021: LEGARTO (LOT 804)

**LEGARTO**

Proisir — Geordie Girl, Filly
Breeder — W.E. Jeffries
Vendor — Highline Thoroughbreds, Cambridge
Purchaser — Ancroft Stud, Waikato
Purchase Price — $90,000
Top Price — $800,000

Philip and Catherine Brown’s Ancroft Stud purchased Legarto from the draft of Cam and Eva Heron’s Highline Thoroughbreds. Established in the 1960’s, Ancroft Stud previously had success with the stallion Battle-Waggon, and now operates as a boutique horse breeding enterprise. Legarto was bred by Tauranga farmer Warwick Jeffries from a filly purchased at the 2005 National Yearling Sale from the Williams family’s Little Avondale Stud.

Legarto joined the stable of Ken and Bev Kelso but was kept until late in her 2YO season for an easy win on debut. Winning fresh up at three she then stepped up to win the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes to remain unbeaten.

At Riccarton, for the Gr.1 CJC New Zealand 1000 Guineas she raced away to win by nearly four lengths, then extended her unbeaten record when winning the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic at Pukekohe. Returning to Pukekohe for the $1.5m Karaka Millions 3YO, she ran fourth, her first defeat. Taken to Melbourne for the Gr.1 VRC Australian Guineas, she got up in the last two strides for the win.

As a spring 4YO, she opened her season with a third in the Gr.1 Hawke's Bay Tarzino Trophy, followed by an easy Listed Matamata Cup win, her prelude to the rich ATC Golden Eagle where she was unplaced after a tough run.

An Ellerslie win plus a second in the inaugural $1m ATR Aoteroa Classic were followed by winning Te Rapa's Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes, her third elite level win. At Ellerslie for the Gr.1 Bonecrusher Stakes, she ran second to El Vencedor. Back at Flemington, for the Gr.1 VRC Australian Cup, she finished sixth.

Returning fresh up in February at five, she recorded a decisive win in the Listed Matamata RC Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes before a third in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.

Race Record — 18:10-2-2
Earnings — A$1,908,842
Champion 3YO Filly in NZ in 2022-23, Champion Middle Distance Horse in NZ in 2023-24

2022: ORCHESTRAL (LOT 635)

**ORCHESTRAL**

Savabeel — Symphonic, Filly
Breeder — Barneswood Farm Ltd
Vendor — Haunui Farm, Karaka
Purchaser — R.A. James / R. Wellwood, Waikato
Purchase Price — $625,000
Top Price — $1,000,000

Offered by Haunui Farm as the penultimate lot during NZB's Book 1 Sale, Orchestral fetched $625,000 when purchased by trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood for Colin and Helen Litt. The Ashburton-based boutique breeding establishment of Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer, Barneswood Farm, bred Orchestral from a filly they purchased from Waikato Stud at the 2014 National Yearling Sale for $330,000.

Orchestral was presented as an autumn 2YO for two starts. On debut she just missed, but broke her maiden at her only other start. At three, in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes at Pukekohe, she ran second by a nose. Next unfolded a wonderful sequence of five wins.

A comfortable win over 1600m at Pukekohe primed her for the $1.5m Karaka Millions 3YO which she won by a widening three and a half lengths in a smart 1:33.31. A break of three weeks saw her back at Ellerslie to win the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas and two weeks later, as hot favourite for the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, she ran clear to score easily by almost four lengths. Taken to Sydney, she tackled the Australian fillies, winning the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes. Her last start at three was the Gr.1 Australian Oaks, where she finished a close third.

Unplaced in three starts at four in the spring, she was sent for a spell. Resuming, she ran fourth at Ellerslie before winning the $1m Aotearoa Classic on Karaka Millions night, followed by a third placing in the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic in late February and sixth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes at Ellerslie.

Race Record — 17:7-2-2
Earnings — A$2,536,130
Champion 3YO & Stayer in NZ in 2023-24

2023: SAVAGLEE (LOT 210)

**SAVAGLEE**

Savabeel — Glee, Colt
Breeder — Waikato Stud
Vendor — Waikato Stud Ltd, Matamata
Purchaser — The Oaks Stud, Waikato
Purchase Price — $400,000
Top Price — $1,000,000

Prior to the 2023 NZB National Yearling Sale, Queenslander Dick Karreman, owner of

The Oaks Stud, asked General Manager Rick Williams to secure a Savabeel colt as a future stallion prospect. Selecting Lot 210 late on the first day of selling, Williams, bidding ringside while on the phone to Karreman, was fortunate to secure the colt right on the limit of his budget.

Savaglee, bred at Waikato Stud, is a brother-in-blood to the Champion 3YO and the best performer from the 2022 Sale, Orchestral. Both are by Savabeel, while their respective dams, Symphonic (O'Reilly) and Glee (O'Reilly) are full-sisters.

Trained by Pam Gerard, as a 2YO Savaglee recorded a fifth in the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO, followed by a convincing win in the Gr.3 Matamata RC Slipper.

At three, a Taupo win fresh up preceded a second at Hastings in the Listed El Roca Trophy. A sequence of four successive wins then began at Matamata for the re-programmed and delayed Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas, and a win in the delayed Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial.

At Riccarton, he won the Gr.1 CJC New Zealand 2000 Guineas in the hands of Sam Spratt in a slick 1:33.86.

Given a short spell, Savaglee resumed in January 2025 at Trentham for an untested win in the Gr.2 Levin Classic. Bypassing the Karaka Millions 3YO, he was set for the Gr.1 BCD Sprint at weight-for-age against the older horses. Held up behind the pacemaker, he finished a solid third. His final start as a 3YO was a lightning raid to Flemington where he finished a gallant second in the Gr.1 VRC Australian Guineas behind fellow New Zealand-bred Feroce.

Race Record — 15:7-2-2
Earnings — A$1,108,748
Champion 3YO in NZ in 2024-25

2024: LA DORADA (LOT 109)

**LA DORADA**

Super Seth — Gold Fever, Filly
Breeder — Chittick Investments Ltd & Waikato Stud Ltd
Vendor — Waikato Stud Ltd, Matamata
Purchaser — D.C. Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ), Te Akau
Purchase Price — $190,000
Top Price — $1,600,000

From the 2024 Sale, at the time of writing, the graduates have had only one racing season as a basis to qualify as the best performed. Lot 109, a filly by Super Seth from Gold Fever, purchased by David Ellis from the Waikato Stud draft for $190,000, looks justified to fill that spot after just four starts.

Named La Dorada and raced by the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership, she made her debut as a spring 2YO at Te Rapa with a decisive win in the Hallmark Stud 2YO Stakes, impressing her connections. The winning stake virtually assured her a place in the Karaka Millions 2YO in January 2025.

On New Year’s Day, she was at Ellerslie for the Gr.2 ATR Eclipse Stakes as well as some all-important education, as Ellerslie and the Karaka Millions were the ultimate goal. Although unable to catch the winner, La Dorada showed her fighting spirit over the last 100m and was rapidly gaining ground near the line for a solid second.

At headquarters for the marquee race, the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO, La Dorada had a new jockey, champion Melbourne rider Craig Williams. In the Karaka Millions, she sprinted clear to win by a length and three-quarters, recording a smart 1:10.77 for the 1200m. This was followed by a brave win in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, refusing to be headed by To Cap It All in a finish they had to themselves. Taken to Trentham for the Gr.1 Sires' Produce Stakes, La Dorada destroyed her rivals to take out the last Group 1 of the season.

Race Record — 5:4-1-0
Earnings — $1,060,750
Champion 2YO in NZ in 2024-25

LOOKING FORWARD

A century of thoroughbred excellence has shaped the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, from guineas to dollars, Trentham to Karaka and Wright, Stephensons & Co to NZB.

What the 99th and 100th National Yearling Sale graduates deliver on the track is yet to unfold. But if the strength of the past century of graduates is anything to go by, we look forward to witnessing the rise of future champions.

Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale, where breeders meet the buyers, and years of careful planning and preparation meet astute judgement and ambition. As recorded in this book, the history of the National Yearling Sale in New Zealand is such that we are guaranteed to see many more elite performers grace the sale ring as the legacy of the New Zealand thoroughbred continues to unfurl.

The full printed copy of this catalogue of best performers is available to purchase online here at shop.nzb.co.nz and at the Merchandise Store during Karaka 2026.

100 Years of racetrack legends: 2017 - 2026

100 Years of racetrack legends: 2007 - 2016