Prima Park will target a strong result at the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026, bringing a promising draft of two-year-olds to Karaka on November 18 and 19. Led by farm principal Kelly Van Dyk, the New Zealand operation will arrive with an established reputation, an impressive group of breeze-up performers and a collection of pedigrees that will attract attention ahead of the two-day auction.
With more than a decade of experience as a vendor at the annual sale, Prima Park will look to build on its progress at one of the leading two-year-old auctions of its kind. The operation’s 2026 draft will combine pedigree strength, physical quality and encouraging preparation, with three colts already recording notable times during the pre-sale breeze-ups at Te Rapa.
NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026
Prima Park will head into the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026 with encouraging figures from the breeze-ups, where Lots 35 and 206 recorded the two fastest times in this year’s catalogue for their final 200 metres.
Lot 35, a colt by Tassort, completed the distance in 10.19 seconds, while Lot 206, a son of Zousain, clocked 10.24 seconds. Lot 165, a colt by Lord Tanagloa, also produced a strong performance, covering the same distance in 10.39 seconds.
Van Dyk highlighted the importance of how horses performed during their breeze-ups, noting that the manner of their work mattered as much as the times recorded. She also pointed to the growing success of young stallions Tassort and Zousain, whose progeny would draw interest from buyers at Karaka.
The Tassort colt will also carry an appealing pedigree connection through a mare by Hinchinbrook. The stallion’s bloodline will link the youngster to Beat The Clock, the champion Hong Kong sprinter and a notable graduate of the Hinchinbrook sire line.
These performances will provide an encouraging foundation for Prima Park as buyers assess the catalogue and prepare for the November sale.
Prima Park’s progress will reflect the investment made by the Van Dyk family in developing a dedicated base for its operations. Nearly five years ago, the family purchased a 50-acre property just north of Matamata and transformed it into a facility designed to support the farm’s core activities.
The property will accommodate sales preparation, breaking and pre-training, alongside a small racing string. By bringing these activities together at one location, Prima Park will maintain a focused approach to preparing young thoroughbreds for the auction ring.
The farm’s 2026 draft will reflect this preparation process, with pedigree, physical type and potential forming the central strengths of its offering. Van Dyk will look to present the youngsters in their best condition as the team completes the final preparations for Karaka.
NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026 to Feature November On-Farm Parades
The build-up to the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026 will include on-farm parades scheduled from November 3 to November 9. The inspections will give prospective buyers an opportunity to assess the two-year-olds before the auction takes place at Karaka on November 18 and 19.
New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) and New Zealand-based agents will also be available to inspect horses on behalf of prospective buyers who require assistance with early evaluations.
Van Dyk will express confidence in the strength of Prima Park’s draft and point to encouraging indicators from recent lead-up sales in Australia. She will also underline the confidence buyers place in NZB and its vendors, while anticipating another successful edition of the annual auction.
With three colts producing notable breeze-up times and a draft built around pedigree and potential, Prima Park will aim to turn its preparation into strong buyer interest at Karaka.
Prima Park will target a standout showing at the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2026 with a promising two-year-old draft, led by three colts that recorded impressive breeze-up times. The Karaka auction will take place on November 18 and 19, following on-farm parades from November 3 to 9.
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