Two purchases on Day 1 of the NZB Karaka Yearling sale for Darby Racing

Darby Racing 25.1.2026

Darby Racing enjoyed a successful buying bench at the 100th NZB Karaka National Yearling Sale, securing Lot 241 and Lot 258 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s flagship sale.

Headlining the purchases was Lot 241, a striking colt by Wootton Bassett (GB), bought in partnership with Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing and Kestrel Bloodstock. Boasting an elite international pedigree and outstanding physical presence, the colt profiles as a genuine high-end prospect with Group-level potential. A real X-Factor colt that has the pedigree and physique to be a real stallion prospect of the future. Sire Wootton Bassett was a world class stallion and will be sadly missed, so to purchase a son of and out of a Group 2 winning Savabeel mare that is directly related to stallions Grunt and Ocean Park, this colt was a must buy for the Darby racing team.

Darby Racing also made a smart play with the purchase of Lot 258, a yearling identified for its athleticism, strength and upside. Representing excellent value at Karaka, Lot 258 is exactly the type Darby Racing has built its reputation on — a quality individual with the scope to develop into a topline racehorse. By Jpaanese Group 1 winning miler Satono Aladdin and out of the Stakes performed mare Alchemia, this colt looked very well bought at the price considering his breeding and type.

With two exciting additions secured at a historic edition of the Karaka sale, Darby Racing now looks ahead to the next chapter as both yearlings begin their journey toward the racetrack.