Klocke is heading to Hong Kong after topping the November (Early) Online Sale, selling for $400,000 to the Good Time Syndicate. The three-year-old, trained by Chris Waller, attracted considerable interest from domestic and international buyers before Pato Leung secured the purchase on behalf of the syndicate.
Previously raced four times in Australia, Klocke has already established a promising record, including a Stakes-placed performance. The purchase reflects the new owner’s ambition to develop the colt for major racing assignments in Hong Kong, with the prestigious Hong Kong 4YO Series emerging as a possible long-term target.
Offered by the Coolmore Colts Syndicate and Eric Koh, Klocke generated significant competition during the online auction before reaching the day’s highest price of $400,000.
Leung indicated that the immediate priority would be to assess the horse’s progress in training before deciding on the next steps. The selection of a suitable trainer will also form part of the planning process.
The syndicate is particularly interested in exploring the possibility of qualifying Klocke for the Hong Kong 4YO Series, provided the horse develops sufficiently to handle the longer distances. A potential appearance in the Hong Kong Derby has also been considered, although that decision will depend on his future progress.
Leung also acknowledged the recommendation that brought Klocke to his attention, adding that previous purchases through the same online platform had given him confidence in the process.
Klocke Hong Kong Campaign Could Include 4YO Series
Former part-owner Eric Koh explained that the decision to offer Klocke for sale followed a change in the horse’s original ownership plans. Initially regarded as a potential stallion prospect, the colt did not progress along the anticipated path, prompting the connections to consider a new opportunity for his racing career.
Koh described the $400,000 outcome as a very satisfactory result, particularly given the interest received from Hong Kong before the sale. He also highlighted the decision to use the online platform as an effective way of reaching international buyers.
Representing the selling syndicate, Brian McGuire expressed satisfaction with the final price and noted the strong interest generated during the selling process. He also welcomed the fact that the successful purchaser was already familiar with horses offered by the syndicate.
The connections wished Klocke’s new ownership team well as the colt prepares for the next chapter of his racing career in Hong Kong.
Wrote To Arataki Sells for $150,000
The second-highest-priced lot of the November (Early) Online Sale was eight-year-old mare Wrote To Arataki, who changed hands for $150,000 to Rollo Thomassi.
Offered by Sheamus Mills on behalf of the mare’s trainer Matthew Williams, the sale attracted attention for the confidence shown by the successful purchaser.
Mills described the result as particularly encouraging, pointing to the buyer’s willingness to complete the purchase without directly contacting the selling connections. He credited the quality of the photographs, videos and other promotional material available online for helping buyers assess horses remotely.
The transaction highlighted the growing reach of online horse sales, allowing prospective owners to evaluate and purchase horses from different parts of the world through detailed digital presentations.
November (Early) Online Sale Grosses $2.27 Million
The November (Early) Online Sale recorded a total gross of $2,270,000, with Klocke’s $400,000 transaction leading the results and Wrote To Arataki providing the second-highest price.
Attention will now turn to the November (Late) Online Sale, for which entries are currently open. Submissions will remain open until midnight on Wednesday, November 11, with the sale scheduled to run from November 13 to November 18.
Klocke’s successful sale marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, with Hong Kong now the intended destination for a colt whose future racing prospects will be closely followed.
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