The King of the Karaka ring gave another flawless performance on the opening day of NZB’s National Yearling Sales series.
Sir Patrick Hogan brought the selling career of his super sire Zabeel to a close in fine style on Monday when he led in the breed-shaper’s final colt to be sold at public auction.
The master of Cambridge Stud was afforded a generous and enthusiastic round of applause after the youngster was knocked down to Dr Gene Tsoi, who has been a long-time supporter of the farm. Tsoi headed off Te Akau principal David Ellis to secure the unique colt.
“It went perfectly and he did everything right,” Sir Patrick said. “I had a couple of practice runs on my own, but you never forget. I’m very proud.
“He’s a lovely colt and a typical Zabeel – he’ll be a slow maturer and will make a very late three-year-old.
“He might be the last Zabeel to be sold, but they will be racing on for the next eight or nine years.
“I hope he lives forever – I said I would never leave the farm while he was still alive.”
The first crop of Zabeel were sold at Karaka in 1994 and included among them was Octagonal, who went on to win 10 Group One races, Jezabeel (Melbourne Cup) and Cronus (Adelaide Cup).
Zabeel has produced 44 individual Group One winners and his progeny have world-wide stake earnings in excess of $185 million.
The son of Sir Tristram has consistently set the Karaka ring alight with his sale-topper the colt out of Diamond Lover, who sold for $3.6 million. As Don Eduardo, he went on to become a Gr.1 Australian Derby winner before a successful stud career of his own.
Over the years, ten of the 24 horses to have sold for $1 million or more at Karaka have been by Zabeel.
-NZ Racing Desk
