Daiki attended the Karaka Sale in New Zealand for the first time, gaining valuable insights into the differences between Australian and New Zealand yearling sales.

“In Australia, horses are often pumped up early to enhance their appearance for the sales, whereas in New Zealand, they seem to develop more naturally, benefiting from the high-quality pasture. Bloodline-wise, many of the horses here are bred for middle to staying distances, and their body types are often more athletic and lean, similar to Japanese horses,” he observed.

Regarding price ranges and standout young stallions, Daiki noted:

“At the Sydney Classic Sale, a budget of AUD 100,000 is usually enough to secure a quality horse, and the same applies here. One of the most talked-about sires at this sale was Sword of State, a son of Snitzel. His progeny stood out with well-developed muscles, soft backs, and excellent movement.”

The cost of airfreighting a horse from New Zealand to Australia, including duty, is approximately AUD 6,000. Reflecting on his first Karaka experience, Daiki said:

“Even in summer, the climate here is pleasantly cool, reminiscent of Hokkaido. This trip was incredibly valuable as I gathered important insights about the horses and gained a better understanding of the sales trends and transportation logistics.”

Japanoz Stable remains committed to assisting owners with their purchases at the Karaka Sale, providing guidance and support throughout the process.