New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will again show his support for the New Zealand thoroughbred industry as he makes a return to Karaka to provide the official opening for New Zealand Bloodstock's 86th National Yearling Sales Series on 30 January.

The Prime Minister will provide the opening address prior to the first of 1444 lots going under the hammer at 10am on Auckland Anniversary Day.

New Zealand Bloodstock Ltd's Co-Managing Director Petrea Vela said the auction house is honoured to have the Prime Minister return to Karaka this year.

"The Prime Minister's attendance at the National Yearling Sales last year was a highlight of 2011 and much appreciated by our buyers and vendors. We are delighted to welcome him back to Karaka in 2012."

The Prime Minister will also take part in a special presentation taking place before the grand opening of the National Yearling Sales. The presentation will see one of the thoroughbred industry's true legends inducted into New Zealand Racing's Hall of Fame.

The National Yearling Sales Series showcases New Zealand's thoroughbred breeding industry to the world as it attracts hundreds of buyers from all parts of the globe.

New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 National Yearling Sales saw buyers from eleven countries purchase 1050 yearlings for over $88 million, with buyers from across the Tasman spending over $47 million on 350 yearlings alone, the most ever purchased by Australian buyers at the Sales.

Heading New Zealand Bloodstock's six-day auction showcase, the Karaka Premier Sale offers some of the best yearlings in the Southern Hemisphere and all 516 entries will be shown live on Sky Sport and TVN in Australia on 30-31 January from 10am.

The Premier Sale is immediately followed by the three-day Select Sale which will offer 620 horses (1-3 February), with the final day, the Festival Sale offering 308 yearlings on 5 February.