Zoustar filly makes NZ$800,000 at Karaka

Zoustar provided the session topper on Day 1 of the Karaka 2021 Sale courtesy of a yearling filly purchased by Te Akau Racing's David Ellis in partnership with Coolmore for NZ$800,000.

While international buyers could not be present at Karaka for New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale this week, the new association between David Ellis and John Magnier ensured there was still an international flavour.

Te Akau and Coolmore teamed up for the first time to buy Lot 94, a Zoustar filly out of Galileo mare Scintillula. Magnier will remember the mare as she raced in Ireland for her breeder Jim Bolger befor moving to New Zealand.

Scintillula won the Gr.3 Meld Stakes over nine furlongs at Leopardstown and also hit the frame in the Moyglare Stud Stakes, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks. She's a half-sister to 1000 Guineas-placed pair Cuis Ghaire and Gile Na Greine.

“He [Magnier] has got a good-sized share in the Zoustar filly with Te Akau as we thought that she was the best horse in the sale," said Ellis.

“It is very seldom that you see a filly at Karaka with her pedigree and as good an athlete as she is.

“We thought we would have to go to NZ$1 million to buy her. We thought she would be the sales topping filly, and we are pretty happy to get her for NZ$800,000.

“She is as nice a filly as we have bought.”

To discuss a nomination for your mare to Zoustar, Kameko, Havana Gold or Lightning Spear, contact our Nominations Team now on +44 (0)1452 700177.