It didn’t take long for the fireworks to start on the first morning of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale series at Karaka.

Lot 10 Karaka Sale 2017 Picture:Trish Dunell

Barely thirty minutes after the proceedings were officially opened by Prime Minister Bill English, the first of the many anticipated bidding wars broke out around Lot 10, the stylish bay colt by O’Reilly from Volkrose who was presented through Richard Rutherford’s Beltana Stud draft.

The colt is a full brother to Australian sprinting sensation Shamexpress, who retired to Windsor Park Stud in 2014 and will see his first crop of juveniles presented for sale during the week.

The athletic mover caught the eye of some of the international heavy hitters present at Karaka this year, but it was well known Australian racing identity Alan Bell who walked away with the prize as he outlaid $825,000 to secure the colt in partnership with the China Horse Club and Newgate Farm.

Bell, who raced multiple Group One winners Schillaci and Grand Armee and is currently enjoying success with quality three-year-old Star Turn, admitted he has been coming to New Zealand for more years than he cares to remember.

“I was there when the sales were at Trentham and I’ve been coming back on a regular basis ever since,” he noted.

“John Hutchison (Scone Bloodstock) saw this colt first and spoke with me about him. He was one of the first we inspected when I came over on the weekend and he immediately caught my eye.”

Bell was clear about what attracted him to the colt.

“Simply put he looks like a racehorse should,” he explained.

“Obviously the mare can produce a good horse and he is very much in the mould of his older brother. He is a superb mover with a great attitude.

“I’m also a big fan of the stock that Richard breeds, as every year he produces a quality draft for the sale.”

Bell also reported that negotiations were in place with the Australian based Vinery Stud to stand Star Turn at the completion of his racing career that already includes a Group One placing along with a victory at Group Two level in the aptly named Schillaci Stakes.