Promising Kiwi Public Attention sold to Hong Kong

New Zealand-bred three-year-old Public Attention will continue his racing career in Hong Kong following his recent sale.

The grey son of Written Tycoon was bred by the late Sir Patrick Hogan and Lady Justine Hogan out of Legramor, a daughter of their dual Group One winner Katie Lee.

Public Attention was initially offered through Carlaw Park’s 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Coolmore’s Tom Magnier for $160,000. 

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Public Attention was raced by Coolmore, in association with several partners, including Sir Peter Vela, and won two of his eight starts to date carrying Coolmore’s iconic silks, including the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in February.

His talent was spotted by $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) slot holder Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir, and a deal was brokered for the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained colt to contest the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race in March.

He finished eighth in the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi before placing in the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in April.

That proved to be his last race in Australia and his former trainers believe he will acquit himself well in Hong Kong.

“He was quite lucky for our stable,” Kent Jnr told media.

“I still think he’s on the up and up and he’ll make a lovely horse in the Hong Kong environment. 

“He’s got the absolute best temperament, he’s an extremely sound horse and above all, he’s got smart ability. 

“He’s got a turn of foot, and he got to a good level here without us ever really seeing the best of him. I think the best of him was still to come. 

“I think he’s got a very good chance to be very successful up there in Hong Kong.”

New Zealand racing has a vibrant breeding industry and produces many of the stars of horse racing, with Public Attention the latest in a long line to make a splash on the world stage.