KINGS GAMBIT sold to Dr James Hay

Kings Gambit winning the SA Classic (Gr1)
(Gold Circle)

Champion three-year-old Kings Gambit, scratched on Wednesday from this Saturday’s Grade 1 Daily News 2000, has been sold for an undisclosed amount to trainer Herman Brown’s patron, Dr James Hay.

“The Russians have been negotiating all week and the deal was just about to be clinched when they pulled out late yesterday. Dr James Hay stepped in to buy the horse,” Herman Brown confirmed this morning.

Freeracer reports that this brings to an end several weeks of speculation about his future, during which a couple of financial offers were turned down by his owners, the Herholdt family. “The Heroldts entertained several offers this week and won’t be retaining a share in the horse. Kings Gambit is being sold with a few minor problems of which the new owners are well aware.’’

Lance Wiid is sad to lose his Champion, but added: “I achieved my mission with him, which was the SA Derby. He was never earmarked for the Durban July. We were close and he was good to me, my first Champion that I can never forget.