Founded by Catriona Williams MNZM in 2005, the CatWalk Trust is a charity whose mission is to get people out of wheelchairs and back on their feet by funding vital research that aims to cure paralysis. A brilliantly talented international equestrian rider, Catriona suffered a fall in 2002 that left her a C6/C7 tetraplegic and wheelchair-bound. Catriona’s determined attitude to find a cure for paralysis is summed up in the charity’s motto - ‘Never say never.’ 

 

 

 

While many horses heading through the Karaka Sales ring have wonderful backstories, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more touching than that of Lot 313 - a bay filly by Brazen Beau (AUS) out of Stepanova (AUS), presented by Valachi Downs. 

 

Principles of Valachi Downs, Kevin and Jo Hickman found themselves at a charity event for the CatWalk Trust a few years back, where a Brazen Beau service was donated by Godolphin’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Hickman’s put in the winning bid for the stallion service and selected Stepanova for the mating. 

 

The generosity, however, did not stop there. Kevin Hickman decided to gift the resulting filly back to the CatWalk Trust to put through the ring at the Karaka Yearling Sales - an act that reduced Catriona Williams to tears when Hickman told her. 

 

The kindness of Hickman has inspired many within the industry, who have embraced the charitable nature of this filly. Matamata Veterinary Services donated full veterinary care of and a sales screening package and Whitehall Farriers donated their services for the filly until she sells. New Zealand Bloodstock has waived any sales fees and commissions associated with the upcoming sale and LoveRacing.NZ and New Zealand Racing Clubs will see that she has zero racing fees in New Zealand.

 

So be sure to look out for Lot 313 as she heads through the Karaka Sales ring on Monday 27th January. All proceeds from this touching sale will go directly to the CatWalk Trust, funding vital research to get people back on their feet.