The outbreak of COVID throughout the world has indeed had some tragic results.  

In fact, it seems everything, whatever the country, has come to a standstill and the Australasian breeding industry has been inconvenienced as the pandemic swept the world.

And some Australian horse trainers, including Queensland horseman David Vandyke, have had their businesses held back because of the inability to attend New Zealand yearling sales.

With the COVID clamp down the New Zealand breeding industry have decided to stage their hugely world-class yearling sale in March instead of January.

Vandyke says he can’t wait for the catalogue as he has always been a true believer that Kiwi bloodlines are the best in the world.

"I’ve got to say that sale in New Zealand is the first off my list of sales that need to be attended,” Vandyke said.

“I love New Zealand. You go there and the hospitality is extraordinary and their bloodlines superb.

And on Saturday, Vandyke has two graduates from the 2020 Karaka sale destined to clash in the feature race at Eagle Farm.

Clients of Vandyke’s paid $260,000 for a yearling by Reliable Man that races as Colleagues a winner at is third start in an Ipswich Maiden. They also picked up a Tarzino filly that failed to meet her $20,000 reserve. Named Gypsy Goddess, she remains undefeated after three starts.

“One of my owners who is a pig farmer in Sydney, decided to take a 50% share in Colleagues and 55% in Gypsy Goddess.  He says that racing horses is a far more attractive proposition than pig farming if you consider they could run first and second on Saturday,” he said.

The group three Grand Prix Stakes, normally held in late May, attracted eight nominations and all-in markets have Gypsy Goddess as the $1.60 favourite with Colleagues sharing the third line of betting at $8. 

Vandyke said that he sourced the Kiwi pair from well-known New Zealand stud Curraghmore in the rich farming region of New Zealand.  

“It seems the yearlings are well prepared and raised and when you look at the paddocks full of the lush green grass of New Zealand there is no wonder the young horses thrive and mature into excellent racehorses,” he said.

Vandyke trains a team of 38 at the Sunshine coast, an hour’s drive from Brisbane, and is confident the pair will be earning cheques on Saturday afternoon.

At 55, Vandyke came to prominence with outstanding racehorse Alligator Blood, who at one time was one of the most successful racehorses in Australia until his career reached a flat spot and the horse changed stables.

“Look, we had some fabulous times, some really great times and when I think back, I think back with a smile but it’s over now,” he said.

When asked if he noticed his former star’s placing recently in Brisbane he said, “No, I didn’t”.

Vandyke’s belief in New Zealand bred horses could have a very happy day on Saturday but win, lose, or draw, David Vandyke will be on the first flight to Auckland come the sales in March.