HONGKONG buyers were conspicuous at last week's important Karaka Premier Yearling Sale in New Zealand.
They helped boost the Auckland sale over the $72 million aggregate, an 11 per cent increase on last year. The overall average was $196,000 compared to $166,000 the previous year, a rise of 17 per cent.
The biggest buyer at the sale, which attracted all the big names from Australia, was bloodstock agent Rob McAnuity who bought 10 lots for $4.5million for his Hongkong clients.
McAnuity's purchases included the top price at the sale, a strapping colt by champion sire Sir Tristram from wonderful broodmare Taiona - dam of Derby winner Sovereign Red and Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Gurner's Lane.
He paid $1.3 million for the colt who is Taiona's last foal.
Other big spending Asians included the Penang-based Teh Choon Beng (11 lots for $3.6 million), agent Michael Otto acting for the Japanese ($3.3 million) and agent Paul Moroney, also acting for Japanese interest ($2.9 million).