TWO Irish-bred three-year-olds were among the most expensive lots sold at the Hong Kong International Sale last Friday. Both were purchased as yearlings in 2014 and were shown under tack prior to their sale. The pair realised HK$5,500,000 which currently translates to about €636,000.

First to this price was a son of Approve out of Ashtown Girl, bred in Ireland by Barry Noonan and sold as a foal at Goffs in 2013 for €90,000 as a foal to Abbey Farm. He was reoffered as a yearling at Tattersalls in October the following year from Athassal House Stud and sold to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 200,000gns. His new sale price shows that once again he has been profitable.