'We thought he couldn't get beaten at Ascot' - Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender sold to Hong Kong

Aidan O'Brien expects Serious Contender to make a massive name for himself in Hong Kong after the Irish Derby runner-up was sold to join the Danny Shum stable. 

The 116-rated son of Wootton Bassett is arguably the most high-profile transfer from Ireland to Hong Kong in recent years and O'Brien admitted he was sad to see him leave Ballydoyle after improving 24lb in the space of just three months. 

O'Brien said: "His form is excellent and we're sorry to see him go. but that's what happens. Trinity College has gone to Australia and this guy has gone to Hong Kong. That's just the way it is. Serious Contender will do very well in Hong Kong. He'll really be suited to it. He's a seriously good horse."

Serious Contender was an unconsidered 28-1 outsider for the Irish Derby when ridden by Gavin Ryan, but hit an in-running low of 2-5 on Betfair when looming large on the outside of Lambourn entering the final furlong. He could not get by his stablemate but went down fighting, as he did when second to Merchant in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot.

"We thought he couldn't get beaten at Ascot in a handicap," said O'Brien. "We kept him all along for that race and then the one who beat us was entered in the King George a few weeks later! He was beaten by a good one."

Another eyecatching Hong Kong recruit is Seraph Gabriel, who was beaten a nose in the Golden Gates Stakes at Royal Ascot when trained by Ralph Beckett. 

Seraph Gabriel (left) will be trained by David Eustace in Hong KongCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hampton Court Stakes third Glittering Legend will also continue his career in Hong Kong, having won four of his seven starts for James Fanshawe, including the Listed Burradon Stakes at Newcastle. 

Both Seraph Gabriel and Glittering Legend will join trainer David Eustace, brother of Newmarket-based Harry, as will Glenderry, a maiden winner last year for Jack Davison.

Carlisle novice winner The King’s Falcon, who was trained by William Haggas and owned by the King and Queen, is another set to move to Hong Kong to join 13-time champion trainer John Size.

Others making the move from Ireland to Hong Kong are Beckman, an impressive winner of a Naas handicap on his last start for Ger Lyons, and Maestro Mark, a debut winner at Gowran Park for John Murphy.

The 2025-26 Hong Kong racing season begins at Sha Tin on September 7.

Read more:

'It'll be a bit of a culture shock, but it's about improving myself' - David Probert on the challenge he faces in Hong Kong 

Surging turnover and global stars set the scene for the dawn of an exciting new era in Hong Kong 

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