VL Bloodstock Announces Exciting Karaka Summer Yearling Acquisitions

With the NZB Book 2 and Summer Sales catalogue spread out before them, Samantha and Maxim Van Lierde approached this year’s buying bench with the same discipline that underpins VL Bloodstock Ltd’s business model: value first, performance always.

In search of horses that not only caught the eye, but also shaped as future racehorses capable of punching above their price tag, with the immediate goal of contesting the 2027 Karaka Million firmly in mind. While a handful of their favourite lots slipped through their fingers in the heat of bidding, the Van Lierdes left Karaka satisfied, securing two youngsters that ticked every box - proven athleticism, sound vetting and the upside to turn smart buying into serious racetrack results.

Samantha and Maxim under their VL Racing banner is thrilled to announce the acquisition of two exciting new yearlings from the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Summer Sales Catalogue, adding fresh talent and classic dreams to the stable for the coming seasons.

The first is Lot 1002, a colt by a proven, speedy stallion out of a genuine sprinting mare (view pedigree & video: NZB Lot 1002). This 2yo prospect will be aimed directly at the NZB 2YO Karaka Million in January 2027, a 1 million dollar race that offers a rare opportunity to race in a top-tier event for a very low investment. With the added bonus on the line ($200,000 for the first horse from the Summer Sales Catalogue to cross the line) this is a golden chance to dream big without the big price tag.

Joining him as part of our 2026/27 campaign is Lot 1007, a beautifully bred filly by the elite sire Ribchester out of a Group-winning Showcasing mare (view pedigree & video: NZB Lot 1007). She is a true 3yo prospect, perfectly in line with our core business model of buying well-bred, affordable 3yo fillies with serious potential.

Over the years, VL Racing has built a strong track record of producing 3yo fillies to race at the top level and then selling them on to Australian buyers for excellent returns on investment.

This is exactly what VL Racing is all about - making racing accessible, affordable, and often very lucrative for our supporters around the country and over the Tasman. With our form of aggressive yet careful targeting of value yearlings, we keep costs low and keep the dream of Group 1 glory very much alive.

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the fun, the thrill of race day, and the excitement of seeing a horse you own take on the world, now is the perfect time to get in touch with us. We’d love to have you join the VL Racing family for the 2027 season and beyond.

Check out our 2026 purchases here