El Torro Ignites Carnival Sale Excitement

El Torro Ignites Carnival Sale Excitement

El Torro, a debut runner in tomorrow's $25,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Carnival Sale 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie, was the centre of attention at Karaka on Wednesday night when a 'share for a day' in the promising two-year-old was auctioned as a feature of New Zealand Bloodstock's inaugural Carnival Yearling Sale Cocktail Party.

In a new initiative by New Zealand Bloodstock aimed at promoting new ownership, guests were treated to a live auction of a 10% share in El Torro when he steps out at Ellerslie on Derby Day.

New Zealand Bloodstock Marketing & PR Manager Petrea Vela declared the event a huge success. "The night was targeted at people eager to get into the industry but not sure how to take the next step and also those who might not ever have considered racing a horse before. It was an opportunity to give them a bit more information and introduce them to people who could help them along the way. Already the feedback has been very positive and we hope to see one or two new faces back at Karaka on Friday."

Pukekohe trainer, Richard Collett and his wife Judy generously donated half of their 20% share in El Torro for the day with the proceeds going to the Catwalk Trust.

Proving to be the perfect gentleman on the night, El Torro attracted spirited bidding from the crowd eventually being knocked down to Mohini Ha, wife of Don Ha, for NZ$2,800, entitling her to full owners privileges on raceday.

With race favourites Lovetrista and Just Diamonds both scratched, El Torro looks likely to take favouritism in the New Zealand Bloodstock race. Next year this race will carry a NZ$100,000 bonus for the first Carnival Sale graduate in the race to pass the post.

Paul and Cushla Smithies of Monovale Farm are also eagerly awaiting El Torro's debut as they bred the Volksraad horse from their Zabeel mare Zatsalady. They sold him for NZ$77,500 at the Karaka Select Sale last year. The two-year-old has won both his trials.

The Smithies, who have been enjoying great success as the breeders of triple Group 1 winner Sir Slick (Volksraad), will also be represented by the Group 1 Mercedes Derby contender Porika Track (Pentire) this weekend.

At next Friday's Karaka Carnival Sale, Monovale Farm will be represented by two fillies by Golan, and fillies by Street Cry and Kings Best.  

Ends

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