With runners such as Horse Of The Year Designs On Rome representing him in Hong Kong, it was no surprise that a gelding by Aquis shuttler Holy Roman Emperor (IRE) would set the sales ring alight when a half-brother to Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles set an all-time Hong Kong International Sale record at Sha Tin Racecourse on Friday night.
Purchased for 130,000 euros at the 2016 Arqana August Yearling Sale, the son of the Group 1-placed French mare Ysoldina, was bought by Cheung Kwok Keung for HK$11 million. (photos Grant Courtney )
That eclipsed the previous record of HK$10.5 million set last year. The grey is poised to join the stable of seven-time Champion Trainer John Moore.
Eleven horses reached at least HK$5 million.
A Not A Single Doubt gelding out of the More Than Ready mare Heaven Beneath, which had been purchased for $210,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, was knocked down to Pakistan Star's owner Kerm Din for HK$7.2 million.
A half-brother to the enormously popular mare Catkins by Poet's Voice (GB) out of Salix Caprea was also purchased for $HK7.2 originally sold at Magic Millions Gold Coast for $280,000.
In total 26 lots were put under the hammer selling for an aggregate of HK$135.3 million at an average of HK$5.2 million, both up from the previous year when 29 lots were offered. Both were new records for the event.
Mr Andrew Harding, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director, Racing, said: "What a fantastic night, electric and elegant in the fabulous setting of the Sha Tin parade ring. There were many enthusiastic buyers ringside, and the evening was clearly enjoyed by all in attendance.
"We are very pleased with tonight's results, with a number of new marks. The purchase of Lot 17 speaks for itself and is a credit to the astute work of the Club's buying team. They uncovered this horse as a yearling, before Wings Of Eagles soared to Derby glory at Epsom, and tonight, its page justified the price. I congratulate Nick Columb and Mark Richards on their expert efforts.
"This is a unique backdrop for a thoroughbred sale and we couldn't be happier with the atmosphere that was created here or the results achieved. We congratulate all of our new owners."
A second Hong Kong International Sale session is scheduled for June, with details to be released in the near future.
