Group 1 winner Alenquer latest star to be sold to Australia

Alenquer, winner of the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, is the latest big name to leave Britain with the four-year-old colt being sold to continue his career in Australia.

Previously trained by William Haggas for Kuwaiti owners Mubarak Alarou and Mussad Almutair, Alenquer will join the Melbourne stable of trainer Mike Moroney.

Armando Duarte, racing manager to the owners, said: “We're sad to see Alenquer go. He’s been good for us and elevated my career to a different level, but business is business. A horse with his profile should suit Australian racing down to the ground.

“William Haggas has done a fantastic job with the horse and his first Group 1 at the Curragh was a memorable day. I think races at the Sydney Autumn Carnival would suit him.”

Purchased for 80,000gns as a yearling, Alenquer’s finest moment came when defeating High Definition by a neck under his regular rider Tom Marquand in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May.

Alenquer was also successful in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown, where he defeated subsequent Derby winner Adayar, and the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last year.

The son of Adlerflug took Lingfield's Group 3 Winter Derby on his seasonal reappearance in February, while his final run for Haggas came in October's Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, where he finished ninth behind Alpinista.

Tom Marquand gives the thumbs up after Alenquer's victory in the Tattersalls Gold CupCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Bloodstock agent Paul Moroney, brother of Mike Moroney, labelled Alenquer a “proper horse”. Writing on Twitter, he added: “Delighted to announce that in conjunction with [Mike Moroney]we have secured high-class European Group 1-winner Alenquer to race in Australia. He heads south next month to aim for the Sydney autumn carnival.”

Alenquer is the latest in a line of quality British runners to be bought to race in Australia. Melrose winner Soulcombe, who was also trained by Haggas, joined Chris Waller last month and recently made a winning debut for new connections at Group 3 level.

Derby second Hoo Ya Mal and Listed winner Fancy Man are other stakes performers to have recently left Britain to race in Australia, while the likes of Waterville and Earl Of Tyrone were purchased at auction to run in Australia having previously been trained in Ireland.

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