IRISHCORRESPONDENT was a very smart three-year-old last year, trained by Michael Halford for Belinda Strudwick who bred the son of Teofilo (Galileo) at her Ballygallon Stud. Unraced at two, he made a favourable impression when winning his first two starts, before finishing a hugely creditable third to Churchill in the Group 1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.

A disappointing fifth in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot did not put off bloodstock agent John McCormack who acquired the colt, now a gelding, to campaign in Hong Kong. Just 11 months later and the four-year-old has won both the Group 3 The Queen Mother Memorial Cup and the Group 3 The Premier Plate, both at Sha Tin, and his placed efforts include being runner-up in the Group 1 Champions and Chater Cup and third in the Hong Kong Derby. His earnings already in Hong Kong are approaching £1.2 million.