The Hong Kong racing season ended last Sunday with Widden graduates enjoying much success on this highly competitive circuit which showcases horses from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Horses sold by Widden that have made their mark in Hong Kong in 2011/2012 include the stakes-winners Admiration (Chairman’s Trophy HK Gr 2) and Packing OK (Centenary Vase HK Gr 3); as well as Sea Diamond (3 wins this season), Happy Cha Cha (3 wins this season), Straight Gold, Ice Fire, Telecom Gogo, etc.

With seven wins and six placings from 21 starts, the John Moore trained Admiration has proven to be a top class investment for his owners having been secured for $625,000 by George Moore Bloodstock from the Widden draft at the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

A four year-old stallion by Encosta de Lago from the stakes-winning Redoute’s Choice mare Provence, Admiration posted his first Black Type win in April when defeating Glorious Days and Able One to win the Chairman’s Trophy HK Gr 2 over 1600 metres.

Bred by our good client Robert Anderson, Admiration was foaled and raised at Widden and being the first foal for his dam has helped her stud career off to a flying start.

Also carrying the famous Widden brand is the Teeley Assets bred Packing OK, a five year-old son of Redoute’s Choice from stakes-winner Abbadena, who has also been ultra-consistent for the John Moore stable winning five races and placing seven times from 19 starts.

A $480,000 Magic Millions purchase for Magus Equine from the Widden draft in 2008, Packing OK scored his feature win in the Centenary Vase HK Gr 3 over 1800 metres in February.

Putting his hand up as a potential star of the future has been another John Moore trained performer in Sea Diamond, a three year-old gelding by Anabaa (USA) that has won three of five starts this season.

Sea Diamond was purchased for $200,000 from the Widden draft at Easter in 2010 and is the first foal of stakes-placed Zafonic mare Apamea (GB), a half-sister to stakes-winner Angelina Carolina tracing directly in tail female line to legendary matriarch Best in Show (USA).

Hong Kong is a major part of the Australian yearling market and we are delighted to see our graduates perform well for their purchasers and wish everyone the best of luck for the new season.