Star Turn broke the Southern Hemisphere 2YO Sale record at Karaka on Thursday when his colt from Commonwealth (Lot 376) was knocked down to Benno and Samantha Yung, who purchased him on behalf of Mr Pato Leung for $825,000. Earlier on Day 2, All Too Hard’s gelding out of Tuscany Lady (Lot 289) topped the shopping list of Mr Yeung Kin Man at $800,000.

The Vinery duo were the pick of 70 lots purchased by Hong Kong visitors who led the buying-bench from the Australians (60 lots). ”I’m gobsmacked.  I’ve never seen so many Hong Kong owners and trainers here,” NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said. ”They’ve made a huge difference.”

The Star Turn colt was offered by Kit Brooks of KB Bloodstock who was amazed at the $825,000 price tag. ”He’s a nice horse but you couldn’t dream of that sort of result. I’ve always liked him and he clocked a very fast breeze up (10.24s) but as the bids kept coming in, I almost couldn’t watch.”

The excitement in the ring was palpable from the moment the Commonwealth colt walked in. There were only two Star Turns in the sale and auctioneer Steve Davis was quick to highlight his credentials;

“The stats on the stallion are staggering! Three crops of racing age, 75% winners to runners. That’s up there, that’s right up there!” - Steve Davis

“We’ve looked at a lot of good horses at the sale today (Thursday), and the Star Turn really stood out to us. He’s a really nice mover and has a very strong build. He has a great temperament from what we’ve seen so far. Star Turn has been doing well in Hong Kong, and that’s another reason why we were interested in buying this horse.” - Samantha Yung

The $800,000 All Too Hard – Tuscany Lady gelding, whose dam is by Vinery stalwart Mossman, was purchased by leading Hong Kong agent Willie Leung from the Riversley Park draft. “It’s my first time at Karaka. There’s lots of atmosphere and it’s obviously a good place to secure the right horses,” Leung said. “This gelding is a real athlete and Mr Yeung Kin Man is looking for another precocious sprinter like Wellington.”

“All Too Hard is a very consistent and useful sire in Hong Kong, and the Group 1 winner Wellington has performed really well on grass and synthetic so he suits Hong Kong. This one looks really athletic and a precocious type, and so hopefully we can get him going to Hong Kong early next season.” - Willie Leung

“All Too Hard is fashionable in Hong Kong and their buyers have dominated the top-end of the market here. They’re looking for speed and this one was the quickest to breeze up (10.34s) at Te Rapa.” - Sam Beatson, Riversley Park

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