Small state, Big impact: Tasmanian sale keeps kicking goals

The Tasmanian Standardbred breeding industry continues to punch well above its weight, with the state’s yearling sale — now under the banner of Nutrien Equine — producing headline harness racing results both in the sales ring and on the racetrack.

Since Nutrien took the reins a couple of years ago, the sale has seen strong averages, a string of racetrack winners, and the added incentive of TASRACING’s First Win Bonus for graduates, which rewards any yearling purchased at the sale with extra prizemoney when they score their maiden victory.

A shining example of the sale’s success is Hungry Hippo, by exciting young stallion Stay Hungry out of Ashuras Beau. Bred locally by Brooke Hammond, the colt was offered at the 2023 Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale and sold for $41,000 to Summit Bloodstock and Aaron Bain Racing. Fast forward to now, and he remains unbeaten from two starts, his latest win coming at Launceston on Sunday night.

The sale has also been a launchpad for other winners:
• In 2024, two yearlings shared top honours at $35,000. Lot 7, a Lather Up USA – Weona Badgirl colt offered by Richard Hall, was purchased by Ben Yole Racing and has already broken through for a win in Launceston. Lot 23, a Captain Crunch – Huiffier filly from Melissa Maine’s draft, was bought by Ashwood Racing Stables and scored impressively at her only start to date at Mildura.
• In 2025, a new benchmark was set when a Downbytheseaside filly out of Wicked Nights fetched $65,000 — the highest price yet since Nutrien took over the sale. Offered by Brooke Hammond, she was secured by N40 Racing & Michael Brennan Racing and is set to race in Tasmania during her juvenile season.

By the numbers:
• 2023 average: $16,056
• 2024 average: $20,893
• 2025 average: $18,023

While the 2025 average dipped slightly from the 2024 peak, it remains comfortably above the pre-Nutrien baseline. Demand has been buoyed by the improved presentation of the sale, which has also shifted from Carrick Park Paceway to Quercus Park, aligning it with the state’s thoroughbred sales venue.

Stewart Brown, Tasracing’s Harness Code Lead, said, “We’d be happy to try to get numbers up to around that 30 mark — now we’ve locked in Quercus Park there is plenty of room to accommodate more yearlings.”

Nutrien’s Mark Barton added, “Tasmania is a boutique sale, and I think around 30 yearlings would be about the right number for the state to sustain. We at Nutrien love heading down there, and there have already been some impressive winners to come out of the sale.”

Tasracing and Nutrien also work closely to attract buyers from interstate. Asked about the move from Carrick Paceway to Quercus Park, Barton said, “It’s good because we can use the Magic Millions facilities, and it’s not too hard to get to from the airport.”

The Tasmanian Sale stands out from other auctions, being managed primarily by Tasracing and offering breeders a rare deal — no entry fees, no commission charges, and no buy-backs. On top of that, graduates are eligible for a $5,000 bonus for their first win as a two-year-old.

Brown confirmed the scheme will continue into 2026, saying, “Absolutely — it’s very popular. We’ve had three current two-year-olds win that bonus already this year.”

The results — both in the sale ring and on the track — point to a bright future for Tasmanian breeding, with Nutrien’s platform, strong local breeder engagement, and TASRACING’s bonus scheme combining to keep quality yearlings and competitive returns flowing year after year.

With nominations for the 2026 sale only recently opening, Brown said interest was already promising: “Good — we’ve had a few at this early stage. No doubt that will build as we get closer to the closing date, September 26.”

He encouraged breeders to get involved early, adding that with Quercus Park now firmly established as the venue, there’s room for more quality yearlings than ever before.

The 2026 Nutrien Tasmanian Yearling Sale will be held on Saturday, 14 February, at Quercus Park, Carrick, from 3 pm. Nominations close 26 September 2025 — contact Tasracing to secure your place in one of Australia’s most dynamic boutique sales.

by Gary Newton