During the last 30 years, however, as one Asian economy after another has prospered, New Zealand has taken significant market share in a region which relies almost entirely on imports for its racing stock. Though Australia still takes the greatest numbers of its exports, New Zealand enjoys a high profile in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and Korea. The most significant source of horses for these markets has traditionally been the National Yearling Sale, established at Trentham near Wellington in 1927. Probably the most important development in the progress of the National Sale was its transfer from Trentham to Karaka near Auckland in 1988. The complex is owned by Wrightson Bloodstock Ltd, the proprietor of the National Sale.
Exports rely, of course, on continuing success in the overseas markets.
That has been consistent and there is virtually no major race in Asia or Australia which has not fallen to a New Zealand-bred horse. Racetrack ability aside, New Zealand-bred horses are recognised as arguably the best value in the world. The future of New Zealand thoroughbred breeding looks particularly bright. The industry requires a constant inflow of new breeding stock and found it difficult to finance the necessary quality or quantity late in the 80s and early in the 90s. During the last four years, however, the number and quality of stallions has steadily improved and those available to breeders here this year include one of the world's biggest names, Last Tycoon, and numerous others who have performed well in top international company.