The Hong Kong Jockey Club bought two eye-catching colts for a total outlay of €420,000 (approx. HK$3.36 million) at the recent Arqana August Yearling Sale (13-15 August) in Deauville.

The first to fall the Club’s way was Lot 178, a bay colt by Starspangledbanner. European Champion Sprinter in 2010, Starspangledbanner was front and centre last season following the exploits of California Spangle – his leading progeny in Hong Kong.

California Spangle dazzled with four wins last term including success in the 2022 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), before closing out his four-year-old campaign with a pair of brilliant runs in defeat, finishing second to Romantic Warrior in the 2022 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Golden Sixty in the 2022 G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m).

Lot 283 is an attractive bay colt by No Nay Never, whose offspring in Hong Kong includes Keep You Warm and Nothing New – both multiple winners last season – with the former sitting on the cusp of a triple-figure rating.  

Giofra, the youngster’s dam, retired as a Group 1 winner with an additional five top-level placings to her name – featuring a brave second to California Memory in the 2012 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m). She’s foaled two individual winners so far.

Purchase details

Lot 178 b c Starspangledbanner ex Victoria’s Angel (Dark Angel) – €140,000 (approx. HK$1,120,644)

Lot 283 b c No Nay Never ex Giofra (Dansili) – €280,000 (approx. HK$2,241,000)