ARF Commemorative Cape Derby favourite Viva Rio was withdrawn from the Grade 1 race on Friday as he has been sold.

Glen Kotzen’s three-year-old Oratorio gelding was priced up 2-1 at the time of withdrawal following his excellent second in the Cape Guineas.

It is believed his ultimate destination is Hong Kong.

Bred by Gold Star Stud and owned by Mrs A. Devachander, Viva Rio raced ten times locally for four wins and three places, earning R485,375 in the process.

His most noteworthy victory was the Listed Racing Association Stakes over 1600m when taken to Fairview last October.

The news is tough luck for his regular jockey Morne Winnaar. The experienced rider has never won a Grade 1 race, and obviously had a decent chance of changing that here.

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