1 Feb 2010
Quality and exceptional pedigree were what saw Sydney based bloodstock agent James Bester secure the top lot of the Karaka National Yearling sale today.
The colt by champion sire Zabeel out of the impeccably bred mare Diamond Like was bought by Bester for $2 million, the third equal highest price paid for a yearling at the National Yearling Sales.
New Zealand Bloodstock reported Bester said, "Physically, he's the best yearling I have ever seen in the southern hemisphere".
"Chiefly I buy on conformation and this colt was exceptional, but to also present with the best page in the sale is extraordinary," Bester said. " Zabeel on Danehill is outstanding, and a very fast mare more to the point to counter Zabeel's staying influence.
It was easy to spend that sort of money when you know the background the horse has had, and being from Cambridge Stud, from that family, I had every confidence."
It was also a remarkable 29th year as leading vendor (on aggregate) for Cambridge Stud.
James Bester (right) celebrates his $2 million purchase with Sir Patrick Hogan
Full results of the Cambridge Stud draft at the Karaka National Yearling Premier sales can be found by clicking on the link below:
http://www.nzb.co.nz/sales/sale.cfm?ped_search=lot&search=cambridge+stud&sale_id=143