Looks Like The Cat Sold To Hong Kong
- Tuesday, 25 November 2014 07:05
The weight of the Hong Kong dollar has proved too much for the owners of Group One placegetter Looks Like The Cat who has run his last race for Tony Gollan.
The trainer said the first offer from Hong Kong came before Looks Like The Cat made his debut in January and the amount increased until it was too good to refuse.
"It's part and parcel of the game in Australia," Gollan said.
"I fully understand why the owners accepted the offer. They were offered big money before his first start and it just kept getting bigger and bigger.
"I'm sad to see him go and disappointed because I want to keep them all.
"I thought he was potentially the best horse I've ever trained and I will watch him with interest now.
"I understand he is going to Caspar Fownes so he couldn't be in better hands."
Looks Like The Cat won his first race in January and was stakes placed in five of his other six starts in Australia including the Group One JJ Atkins behind Almalad and Brazen Beau.
The gelding was named for his likeness to multiple Group One winner Apache Cat whose striking baldy face made him one of Australia's most popular racehorses until his retirement five years ago.
Gollan, who won his first Brisbane premiership last season, also lost three-year-olds Deano and Ten Speed to Hong Kong earlier this year.
But he still has plenty of ammunition to work with including recent Flemington winner Hijack Hussy.
The filly won the Listed Lexus Hybrid Plate (1400m) on November 4 and, after a short break, is back getting ready for the $1 million Magic Millions in January.
"She is back in the stable and will run at Doomben on Saturday week," Gollan said.
Group One winner Temple Of Boom is recovering well from a hamstring injury he suffered in the Darley Classic earlier this month.
