The auction was conducted for the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) by the Keeneland Association."Having a sale such as this is a risk in today's fluctuating economy," said Winfried Engelbrecht-Breges, the HKJC's executive director, racing. "But the results continue to be splendid. Our owners are seeking horses of quality, and the HKJC is determined to make them available--all to the benefit of our sport in Hong Kong."
A 2-year-old bay colt by Danehill brought a record price of $576.923 (HK$4.5 million) at the Piaget Hong Kong International Sale on Friday evening at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. He was purchased by the partnership of Jacky Chan Cheung Ming and Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Chan Cheong Yuk. Produced from the 15-year-old Darshaan mare Caraniya, the Australian-bred colt is a half-brother to Irish group III winner Cajarian (by Shahrastani). He will be trained by Francis Liu, who is the second-leading trainer in Hong Kong.In all, 38 juvenile colts and geldings were sold for a gross of $7,224,359 (HK$56,350,000), an average of $190,115 (HK$1,482,895), and a median of $166,667 (HK$1,300,000). The gross was a sale record. The Hong Kong Jockey Club reported that the average was down by 30.5% from last year when 23 horses were sold.The second- and third-highest-priced horses were both by Danehill. A gelding out of Spell On You brought $487,179 (HK$3.8 million), and a gelding out of Darlya brought $320,513 (HK$2.5 million).