Half-brother to Derby winner Wings Of Eagles sets new record amongst strong trading at Hong Kong International Sale (March)

A Holy Roman Emperor half-brother to Epsom Derby winner Wings Of Eagles set an all-time Hong Kong International Sale record, one of 26 lots put under the hammer at Sha Tin Racecourse on Friday night (16 March).

The British-bred gelding, catalogued as Lot 17 and a son of the G1-placed French mare Ysoldina, was bought by Cheung Kwok Keung for HK$11 million. This was a new peak, eclipsing 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.

The record price for an individual lot was one of a number of strong results across the board. This year’s group sold 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.

Eleven horses reached at least HK$5 million, with Lot 14 – an Australian-bred Not A Single Doubt gelding out of the More Than Ready mare Heaven Beneath – selling for HK$7.2 million. He will be raced by owner Kerm Din, who also bought Lot 14 at the 2016 HKIS – the Shamardal gelding that would soon receive the name Pakistan Star, with career earnings in excess of HK$15 million.

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.”

The Hong Kong International Sale was held in a night-time slot for the third consecutive year and was preceded by a cocktail reception for guests.

“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,” said Mr Harding.

A second Hong Kong International Sale session is scheduled for June, with details to be released in the near future.