Brendan Duke reveals sale of Warm The Voice to Hong Kong

Warm The Voice has been sold to continue his racing career in Hong Kong, trainer Brendan Duke told Press Association Sport.

The Vocalised colt, who carries the colours of Jim and Jackie Bolger, completed a hat-trick in a valuable nursery at Listowel last month, earning him a step up to Pattern level in the Beresford Stakes at Naas.

Although he came up short in the Group Two contest, he was far from disgraced in finishing third behind the exciting Saxon Warrior, who is favourite for next year's Investec Derby with some bookmakers.

Duke had been eyeing JRA Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday as a potential final outing of the season for his charge, but has since received an offer he felt was too good to refuse.

"The situation is the horse has been sold to race in Hong Kong," said the Curragh-based trainer.

"He's currently in quarantine in Newmarket and he'll go on to Hong Kong from there.

"It's a business decision I made myself. There was absolutely no pressure from Jim or Jackie, quite the opposite. I think Jim was actually a bit surprised when I told him.

"There's no point crying into your tea about it. Jim and Jackie have supported me for four years and the only colour Biro they've needed has been a red one, which is no way to run a business.

"Make no mistake, Warm The Voice is a very high-class horse and I expect him to do very well.

"Jim and Jackie are sending me his yearling full-brother and I'm very grateful to be receiving their continued support.

"This is a decision I made with the bigger picture in mind and I'm very comfortable with it."