Trainer Pat Flynn has confirmed his stable star Designs On Rome has been sold to race in Hong Kong.
The Waterford handler has had plenty of top-class horses pass through his hands during his career, but described this juvenile as the best he has ever trained after he won at the third attempt at Naas in early August.
He was beaten into second when favourite for a Tipperary nursery on his next appearance but posted a career-best when beaten by only leading two-year-old Dawn Approach in the National Stakes at the Curragh earlier this month.
Flynn admits it is with a heavy heart that he has accepted an offer from abroad for his pride and joy, who he owned as well as trained, but feels it was too good an offer to turn down.
Flynn said: "The news is the horse has been sold to race in Hong Kong.
"He's a fantastic horse and we're obviously disappointed to let him go, but I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved with him while he has been with us, including Moyglare Stud who bred him then sold him to us.
"He was bought by Peter Doyle Bloodstock for owners in Hong Kong and it's very exciting for his new connections. I wish them the best of luck and I think they are getting a very serious horse.
"I bought another two horses yesterday and I just hope we can find another one as good as him now."
