A colt by Hinchinbrook was the star attraction during the first session of the 2017 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Wednesday fetching $460,000.
Consigned for sale by Regal Farm, the colt from El Ashb (IRE) was the subject of spirited bidding before being knocked down to David Lui and Karl Chan of HK based Sweetbriar Equine.
Lui indicated the colt would remain in New Zealand to be pre-trained, with several options as to where his racing career will be aimed.
“I think he will be an early runner. He breezed well and we like the pedigree,” Lui said.
“Hinchinbrook is going very well in Hong Kong and we think his popularity will continue to grow.”
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung, who works closely with the pair, reiterated his appreciation of the colt.
“The sale this year is very strong and it was a hard fight to buy the horse which is an indication of how many good judges were keen on him,” Leung said.
“He seems to be a nice relaxed type that will suit the Hong Kong racing environment. I think that is one of the major selling points from this sale in that it always seems to produce horses that go to Hong Kong and perform extremely well.”
The colt was a successful pinhook having been snapped up for just $65,000 from the Bowness Stud draft at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
He is a half-brother to three winners from the family of Group I stayers Red Cadeaux, Big Orange and HK Horse of the Year Military Attack.
Hinchinbrook also had a good result with a colt from Downstream selling for $300,000.
