Racing: Simms Davison keen on new format

Simms Davison. Photo / Trish Dunell

Mapperley Stud boss Simms Davison is convinced the new format adopted for the annual New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale has directly benefitted his Book 2 draft.

Davison was commenting on the sale of their Proisir colt, Lot 766, that was knocked down on Thursday to the $160,000 bid of Waterford Bloodstock consultant Mike Rennie.

Davison had been confident of a good result with the colt, based on the number of pre-sale inspections he had undergone.

"He has been a very busy boy since he got here, so with the number of parades and inspections we had for him, I thought he might go well," he said.

"He's a lovely colt, a very athletic type with a pedigree to match. He has bloomed in the six weeks leading into the sale and has a real presence about him. He was the type to catch your eye and he obviously did just that.

"I do think he has definitely benefitted from the new structure of the sale as he probably could have gone into the Book 1 session and got a bit lost there, but in Book 2 he was one of the stand-out lots."

Rich Hill Stud principal John Thompson, who stands freshman sire Proisir at his Walton property, was delighted with how his freshman sire has been received this week.

"Proisir has had a very pleasing sale so far," he said. "His Book 1 draft was very solid where six sold at an average just a tick over $76,000, which was off a $7000 service fee.

"Two of those went for $100,000 or more so you would have to be pleased with that.

"He has served more than 100 mares in each of his three seasons to date so demand for him has been strong."

- NZ Racing Desk