Woburn Farm’s record at the Ready to Run Sale has been strengthened by several notable performers in recent seasons, led by Hong Kong sprint star Lucky Sweynesse. With 13 two-year-olds prepared for the 2026 edition at Karaka next month, the New Zealand operation will look to build on a record that includes Group One winners and successful graduates across Australasia.
Lucky Sweynesse remains the standout example of the farm’s success at the sale. Offered by Woburn Farm in 2020, the New Zealand-bred sprinter was purchased by J & I Bloodstock for $90,000. His subsequent career has produced 17 wins and eight placings from 34 starts, with career earnings of HK$84.97 million, equivalent to approximately NZ$19.14 million.
That return represents more than 200 times his original purchase price and underlines the opportunities the sale has provided to buyers seeking future racetrack performers.
Lucky Sweynesse Headlines Woburn Farm Ready to Run Sale Record
Eleven of Lucky Sweynesse’s 17 victories have come at Group level, including four Group One contests: the Hong Kong Sprint over 1,200 metres, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize over 1,200 metres, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1,400 metres and the Centenary Sprint Cup over 1,200 metres.
With Hong Kong buyers playing an important role in the annual Ready to Run Sale, Woburn Farm’s Adrian Stanley recognises the value of having a graduate achieve such success on the international stage.
Stanley said the sprinter had become a prominent example of what the farm’s preparation programme could produce, while pointing to other successful graduates in Australia and Hong Kong as further evidence of its record.
The farm’s notable alumni also include Group Two winner Shamus, by Shamexpress, and Packing Award, by Shamus Award. Packing Award has recorded six wins, earned HK$9 million, equivalent to approximately NZ$2.02 million, and finished in the placings at Group Three level.
Woburn Farm has previously sold horses for as much as $550,000 at the Ready to Run Sale, and Stanley is encouraged by the quality and variety of the 13 juveniles assembled for this year’s catalogue.
Three Lots to Watch at the 2026 Karaka Sale
Stanley described the current draft as a strong group whose preparation had progressed smoothly. He was particularly pleased with their performances during the Breeze-Ups, despite a headwind affecting conditions on the second day.
Among the horses attracting his attention is Lot 159, a colt by Ardrossan. Stanley highlighted the youngster’s balanced physique and pleasing breeze-up performance, adding that the horse had the attributes to develop into an appealing three-year-old.
Lot 237, a colt by Satono Aladdin, is another prospect to watch. Described by Stanley as strong and athletic, the youngster impressed during his Breeze-Up preparation.
The colt is out of Dozer Bay, a winning full-sister to multiple Group One winner Coventina Bay. Both mares are by Shamexpress, giving the pedigree a notable connection to proven high-level performance.
Lot 429, a colt by Hellbent, is also expected to attract attention. The youngster was an expensive yearling purchase and comes from a pedigree that includes Tardelli, an accomplished three-quarter-brother by I Am Invincible.
Since the Ready to Run Sale catalogue went to print, Tardelli has finished fourth in the Group One Proisir Plate over 1,400 metres, adding a recent performance reference to the family.
The three highlighted lots offer different attractions, from physical balance and athleticism to established pedigree connections. Their progress through the sale ring will be among the points of interest for buyers assessing the 2026 catalogue.
Ready to Run Sale Returns to Karaka in November
The 2026 Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on November 18 and 19, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 11am New Zealand time on both days.
For Woburn Farm, the upcoming sale provides another opportunity to present a varied group of young horses backed by a record that includes internationally successful graduates. Lucky Sweynesse remains the most prominent example, but the farm’s wider list of winners provides further context for the expectations surrounding its latest draft.
With 13 two-year-olds heading to Karaka, attention will now turn to how the group is received by prospective buyers and which youngsters emerge as the most closely watched prospects from this year’s offering.
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