The usual hype and anticipation in the minutes before the first of over 1000 yearlings for the week enters the ring will be halted as the industry gathers to honour Hogan, with his close friend Vela to read a tribute from the sales rostrum at 10.45am.
“It is still sinking in he won’t be at the sales, he has been such a huge part of Karaka and other sales before that for decades,” says Vela.
“We want to honour him on the biggest stage we have and that is right before the first horse sells.
“It is a daunting task because he had, and will have for decades, such a huge impact on an industry that affects thousands of people.”
After two years when overseas buyers have been unable to attend Karaka because of Covid restrictions, over 1000 overseas visitors are expected to grace the complex, most for the elite yearlings sold in Book 1 on Sunday to Tuesday.
Buyers from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and as far afield at the United States and United Kingdom compete with local buyers.
“I was in Australia two weeks ago and the interest was huge and the numbers coming to the sale back that up,” says NZB managing director Andrew Seabrook.
The mood dampened on Friday though with the torrential rain, and even though it could continue into next week, it won’t halt the sales schedule.
“It is not like a sporting event you can postpone, so many of the people here to buy can’t extend their stays,” says Vela.
“So if at certain stages it rains the horses will bypass their usual time in the outdoor back parade area and go straight from their stables into the undercover second parade ring which links to the sales auditorium.”
For all the experts, analysis, theories and veterinary examinations, nobody really knows which one will turn out to be the fastest. A fact Hogan knew all too well.