AD Bloodstock launches at Karaka

It was an exciting milestone heading to Karaka for the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale earlier this week — my first under the AD Bloodstock banner — and I couldn’t have asked for a better start, securing three well-bred, great-value prospects for a fantastic group of new clients.

Despite record-breaking results across both days — with aggregate sales topping NZD $41.4 million and the average climbing to $156,255 — we were able to identify genuine value and walk away with three horses that I’m incredibly proud of.

Lot 11 – Noverre x Ocean Fleet Filly (Vendor: Curraghmore Stud)

Purchased for $60,000 NZD in partnership with Malua Racing (Troy Corstens & Will Larkin)

Our first strike of the sale came early with Lot 11 — a quality filly by G1 NZ 2000 Guineas winning freshman sire Noverre (NZ) (by Savabeel), out of a Fastnet Rock mare, already the dam of three winners including the City Winning and Stakes-placed filly Super Chilled. She was bred and sold by one of New Zealand’s most respected operations, Curraghmore Stud, and represented outstanding value at the price for a wonderful new group of clients.

I noted her as a classic style filly with size, scope and quality, and gave her my highest marks - a big girth, beautiful frame and an effortless walk, while she's breezed up really nicely under little pressure. And being a November foal, she's only going to keep improving.

VIEW PEDIGREE

Lot 40 – The Autumn Sun x Phyllis Maud Colt (Vendor: Apex Bloodstock)

Purchased for $120,000 NZD for Brimac Racing in partnership with Busuttin & Young Racing

Next came Lot 40 — a striking colt by Australia's Leading Sire The Autumn Sun (AUS) (by Redoute's Choice) out of Phyllis Maud (by Halling), a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Hartnell.

A bit of a sneaky buy as many overlooked him because of a light preparation before the breeze up, but he's athletic, balanced and with his pedigree and scope, he looks a genuine Derby type and I'm thrilled to have secured him for great supporter Brian McKiterick who's building a lovely stable under the Brimac Racing banner.

The colt’s pedigree combines proven staying bloodlines being so closely related to Hartnell and recent G1 VRC Oaks place-getter After Summer, with a progressive sire line that’s producing elite results in G1 winners Autumn Glow and Autumn Boy this season.

VIEW PEDIGREE

Lot 437 – Circus Maximus Gelding (Riversley Park)

Purchased for $45,000 NZD on behalf of Malua Racing

On Day 2, patience paid off when we landed Lot 437 — a powerful, scopey gelding by Circus Maximus (IRE) (by Galileo) from Lips of an Angel (by Falkirk), who’s already a proven producer.

He was one of Troy's favourites of the sale and easy to see why. A big, strong and athletic 2yo with a great action and he breezed up in solid time despite being a bit green still. When he passed in, Troy was straight on the phone and we went straight into action to get him. The sire is only young and is off to a great start having produced a Stakes Winner from his first crop of 2yos, and being a son of the incomparable Galileo, you'd expect they will only keep improving into their 3yo year.

And adding to the confidence, this gelding carries the iconic ‘S’ brand of Windsor Park Stud, breeders of So You Think and more than 50 Group 1 winners — always a great sign of quality.

VIEW PEDIGREE

A Strong Start and Exciting Future Ahead

To come away from Karaka with three well-credentialed, affordable young prospects for new clients was incredibly rewarding. It’s a dream start for AD Bloodstock and a testament to the support I’ve received from trainers and owners who’ve trusted my eye and judgment.

I'm incredibly grateful for everyone whose backed me on my first independent sale - especially the teams at Malua, Brimac and Busuttin Racing. It's exciting to be part of their journeys, and I can't wait to see these horses hit the track.

Next up, I’ll be heading to the Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast and then back to Karaka in January — both shaping up to be major buying opportunities.

If this sale was anything to go by, 2026 is going to be a an exciting year for AD Bloodstock - and I'll be on the lookout for the next Abounding.

SHARES AVAILABLE:

Some small shares possibly remain in both The Autumn Sun colt and Circus Maximus gelding, so reach out to myself or respective stables if you're interested in ownership of either racehorse.

THE AUTUMN SUN COLT

Contact: Brimac Racing (click HERE)

CIRCUS MAXIMUS GELDING

Contact: Malua Racing (click HERE)