Racing: New agent secures $170k colt in Karaka debut

File photo / 123RF

Andrew Williams has made an instant impact in the sale ring on his return to New Zealand.

He recently established his own bloodstock company in Sydney and enjoyed a successful maiden buying foray to Karaka during the opening session of New Zealand Bloodstock's Weanling Sale yesterday.

Williams went to $170,000 to secure Curraghmore's smart Savabeel colt (Lot 30), the first foal of the multiple stakes-winning Tavistock mare Avisto.

"He's a really athletic individual and I'm very happy to have got him on my first trip to Karaka under my own banner," he said.

"I've bought him for a new client of mine and he'll be heading straight over to Australia.

"Savabeels are doing extremely well, they are extremely popular in the marketplace."

Originally from Waikato, Williams graduated in 2007 from the University of Otago with a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Accounting & Marketing and earned a place on the 2007 Darley Flying Start programme.

He gained work experience at the Keeneland Sales in the United States and with renowned trainer Michael Jarvis, followed by a stint with Roger Varian in Newmarket and David Hayes in Australia.

This was followed by four years with Darley America in Kentucky, a stint with the international agency Blandford Bloodstock and a spell with Arrowfield Stud in Australia.

The progeny of Savabeel were in demand yesterday with the Dannevirke-based horseman David Hayes going to $120,000 for a colt (Lot 22) from the Cambria Park draft. He is out of the winning Redoute's Choice mare Ametsis.

"He's obviously got staying blood in his pedigree, he could possibly be a Derby horse," he said.

The youngster will be returning to Karaka next year for the yearling sales.

- NZ Racing Desk