End of an Era as Dr Gene Tsoi Disperses Prized Bloodstock

Countless top-class thoroughbreds have carried Dr Gene Tsoi’s distinctive violet-and-pink colours across Australasia, but this month’s Standard 2080 Ltd Unreserved Dispersal Sale on Gavelhouse Plus will draw the curtain on more than 25 years of breeding and racing in the region.

Thirteen horses from Dr Tsoi’s New Zealand bloodstock portfolio will be offered unreserved, giving buyers access to some of the outstanding families the Hong Kong-based physician has assembled over the past quarter-century.

The draft traces to two of Dr Tsoi’s best performers, trail-blazing Hong Kong Derby heroine Elegant Fashion (Danewin) and multiple Group One winner King’s Rose (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), whose elite-level success helped establish one of New Zealand’s most respected boutique breeding operations.

Dr Tsoi had a particularly close association with the late Sir Patrick Hogan, whose long-time Cambridge Stud manager Marcus Corban is handling the dispersal.

“Since Sir Patrick’s passing a few years ago, Dr Tsoi has started to lose a bit of interest in this part of the world and wants to focus on his medical practice in Hong Kong,” Corban said.

“It’s the end of an era for someone who had quite a significant impact here and in Australia. He had a long and successful association with Sir Patrick at Cambridge Stud, but also Mike Fleming’s Bhima in New South Wales as well as Maluka Thoroughbreds in Victoria.

“One of the big things about his legacy here is the way he supported young people coming into the industry – people like Mark and Lorraine Forbes at Kiltannon, plus Carlaw Park. He’s been a good supporter of young people.

“Unfortunately, we’re getting to the point where some of these influential industry figures are beginning to wind things up. But the positive thing is there’s some quality bloodstock here that buyers can get their hands on.

“There are some really nice mares in foal to notable stallions, and there’s a couple of Super Seths – a yearling and a weanling – that are both lovely young horses.

“These are good opportunities for pinhookers who might be looking for a Ready to Run horse, while the mares will be worthy additions to anyone’s broodmare band. It’s a good cross-section and just a really nice selection of stock across the board.”

Also amongst the offerings are yearling fillies by proven sires Maurice and Satono Aladdin, a weanling colt by Almanzor and mares in foal to the likes of Auguste Rodin, Armory, Super Seth, Hello Youmzain, Circus Maximus and Sword of State.

Bidding is currently open on Gavelhouse Plus and closes from 7pm (NZT) on Wednesday 30 July.