The NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka will once again provide a glimpse into the future of the breeding industry, with a new generation of young stallions preparing to make their mark in the sale ring.
NZB National Weanling Sale 2026
Among the most anticipated attractions of the 2026 edition will be the first-crop offerings from several promising sires, including Chaldean, Hilal, Mr Mozart and Paddington. The catalogue features two weanlings by Chaldean, two by Hilal, six by Mr Mozart and two by Paddington, highlighting the growing interest surrounding these emerging stallions.
The NZB National Weanling Sale 2026 will feature some of the most closely followed first-season sire representatives as breeders and buyers assess the next wave of bloodstock talent.
Chaldean headlines the group as the only Group One-winning two-year-old son of legendary sire Frankel standing in the southern hemisphere. The Cambridge Stud resident will stand the upcoming breeding season at a service fee of $35,000.
Chaldean enjoyed a remarkable juvenile campaign, winning four consecutive races, including the Group Three Acomb Stakes over 1400 metres, Group Two Champagne Stakes over 1400 metres and the prestigious Group One Dewhurst Stakes over the same distance. His Dewhurst success came in one of the fastest recorded times in the history of the race.
The son of Frankel continued his rise at three, claiming the Group One English 2000 Guineas over 1600 metres. The victory saw him follow the path of his sire by completing the notable Dewhurst Stakes and 2000 Guineas double.
Chaldean’s pedigree has also attracted attention. He is one of 41 individual Group One winners produced by Frankel and is one of eight winners from eight named foals out of the outstanding mare Suelita, a daughter of Dutch Art.
Suelita has produced several high-class performers, including Group Two winner Alkumait, Listed winner and Group One placegetter Get Ahead, Listed winner The Broghie Man and stakes-placed Gloves Lynch.
The first European foals by Chaldean made a strong impression, averaging the equivalent of NZ$260,000 and reaching prices of up to NZ$580,000.
At the 2026 NZB National Weanling Sale, Chaldean’s first-crop representatives include Lot 3, a colt out of two-time winner Novashow, who also finished fourth in the Group Two Matamata Breeders’ Stakes over 1200 metres. Lot 54 is a filly and the first foal out of winning mare Top Note.
The arrival of these first-crop weanlings adds another layer of excitement to Karaka’s annual showcase, where the focus remains on identifying the future stars of the racing and breeding world.
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