The sale of Most Wanted to Hong Kong has finally been completed and the impressive debut winner will join the stable of Richard Gibson.
Upham (pictured) and Most Wanted have both been sold and will continue their racing careers in Hong Kong. Photo by: Daniel Costello
A Hong Kong-based owner offered big money for Most Wanted before he had even made his racing debut, but the initial offer fell through and the three-year-old went to Flemington on August 8 to take out the E Dunkley and J Lee Handicap (1400m).
An even big offer came for Most Wanted following his victory on debut and trainer John Sadler told Sky Racing HQ this morning that the sale of the Wanted gelding had been completed yesterday afternoon.
“He has definitely been sold,” Sadler said
“The transaction took place yesterday.
“He was obviously sold for good money, but it is a little bit disappointing from the stable and even the owner thought that it was bittersweet.
“He is a really nice horse and I think that he will make his mark in Hong Kong.”
Sadler admitted that he was disappointed to lose a horse with the potential of Most Wanted, but he said that he had no problem with the decision of the owners to part way with the gelding that earnt the attention of owners in Hong Kong with his performance in a jump out at Caulfield.
“They like a young horse that hasn’t done much racing,” Sadler said.
“He fits the bill well and it was actually Jeff Gordon, a bloodstock agent in Melbourne, that picked him out off one of our trials here and I was very surprised in his interest for him just off that.
“The horse had shown ability and we were looking forward to his future and then there was good money offered for him.
“As you know that fell through, so he went to Flemington and ran and showed the ability there that he had been showing at home.
“We got a much better offer for him after the race and it is the same trainer different owner, so he is heading up to Hong Kong.
“It is well known that if they find a horse down here that they really like they will pay very, very good money for them and it is hard money to refuse for a gelding.”
Former Peter Moody-trained galloper Upham is set to join Most Wanted on the plane to Hong Kong after he was purchased by Gary Moore.
Upham recorded three wins from his nine race starts in Australia, including the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2020m) at Doomben on May 23, but he failed to fire in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2200m) at the same venue on June 6.
