South Island sire Gallant Guru topped Day 1 of the NZ Bloodstock Festival yearling sale with a colt from Star Way mare Blessed Thee.  He made $60,000 to the bid of Cambridge trainer Roger James who has now purchased six yearlings for $513,000 at Karaka.

Sunday’s session topper was offered by Brian Anderton’s White Robe Lodge.  The Otago based stud is home to Gallant Guru, a G2 winning son of Montjeu.

The leading individual buyer on Day 1 was Sunline-fame trainer Stephen McKee with four lots for $133,000.  McKee and his father Trevor McKee were spurred to increase their activity after the strength of the Premier and Select Sales.  

“We came today with the intention of buying horses that we liked and were prepared to pay more than we usually might at the Festival Sale,” McKee said.  “It’s been a very strong sales week overall with a lot of big-spending Australians staying on to the end of the Select Sale.

“We missed out on a number of horses that we liked in the Premier and Select Sales which is why we decided to go for it and ensure we’re taking home horses that we think can win nice races.”

McKee claimed the second best when paying $58,000 for the grey colt by Nothing to Lose from She’s Just Dreamy (Aucash) offered by Bluegables Farm.  The McKees have bought 8 yearlings so far this week.

Day 1 of the Festival Sale saw trade of $1.62 million at an average of $13,639 and a median of $10,000.  Perfectly Ready topped the sires’ table with five yearlings going at an average of $24,500.  

Day 2 of the Festival Sale on Monday will bring the curtain down on NZ Bloodstock’s 85th National yearling sales series at Karaka.