Big things expected: Derby fifth Hazapour sold to Hong Kong

Hazapour has been sold to race in Hong Kong and his former trainer Dermot Weld believes last year’s Derby fifth will make a real name for himself.

With a rating of 110 Hazapour is one of the highest-rated horses to head for Hong Kong but at one point Weld thought the son of Shamardal was going to reach an even higher level and hand him a second Derby triumph.

"Hazapour is a very smart colt and two [furlongs] down I thought he was going to win the Derby for us under Frankie," Weld said.

Dermot Weld with HazapourCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was always very good at Leopardstown and seemed to save his best for there. He was a very good winner of the Derrinstown Derby Trial last season and was impressive in the Amethyst Stakes back there over a mile in May. He ran well for a long way in the Queen Anne this year, too.

"I know he is a very high-profile horse to be heading to Hong Kong but that is the type of horse you need nowadays. I believe he is just the type of horse who will do very well out there and I wish his new connections well."

Hazapour won three of his nine races for Weld and earned £146,325 in prize-money.

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