Leung hoping he has struck gold once more at Karaka

[Wandering Eyes]

Lot 81, the Exceed and Excel colt, was purchased out of Riversley Park’s draft for $500,000. Photo: Trish Dunell

Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung and trainer Francis Lui teamed up to purchase subsequent Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2017 Ready To Run Sale, and they hope they have struck gold once more at this year’s edition of the sale.

The pair went to $300,000 to secure Golden Sixty out of Riversley Park’s draft and five years later Leung had to extend to $500,000 to secure lot 81, the Exceed And Excel colt from the same farm’s draft.

“A couple of years ago we were lucky to secure Golden Sixty here, so I hope we get another one for Francis,” Leung said.

The horse also reminded Leung of another Karaka purchase he has made – Champion Hong Kong sprinter Mr Stunning.

“Years ago I bought Mr Stunning here as a yearling and he was a lovely Exceed And Excel. It was great to see two on the ground (this year), and he was my top pick,” he said.

“He looks very athletic and precocious, so hopefully he does as well as Mr Stunning.”

The colt will remain in New Zealand before heading to Hong Kong to join Lui’s barn, and he could be joined by another sale purchase, with Leung also securing lot 22, the Iffraaj gelding, for Lui.

“The horse will stay here for another 12 months for pre-training before going to Hong Kong. I bought him for Hong Kong trainer Francis Lui and his client,” Leung said.

“Thank you to Francis for allowing me to buy two horses here.”

Leung has been enjoying his time back at Karaka after a hiatus following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am glad to come back here after COVID,” he said. “It is great to come to Karaka and see plenty of good horses on the ground.”

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