Golden Sixty: Reliving the Glory of Hong Kong’s Greatest Racing Star
citinow88-login 2024-10-08
As the gates fling open for the G1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin this Sunday, all eyes will be glued to
Golden Sixty—the
horse who’s stolen hearts and wallets across Hong Kong! This 8-year-old superstar might just be taking his
final victory
lap. With a jaw-dropping 26 wins from 30 starts and a wallet bursting with over HK$165.8 million (US$21.2
million),
Golden Sixty isn’t just racing; he’s rewriting the history books! Get ready for one last show from this
equine
legend—it's bound to be a photo finish.
Since bursting onto the scene in March 2019 as a late-blooming Southern Hemisphere 3-year-old, Golden Sixty
has been
kicking up turf like a superstar on a victory lap. His remarkable record includes 10 Group 1 titles, making
him the
undisputed king of elite racing in Hong Kong.
BMW Hong Kong Derby: 2020
Golden Sixty entered this race with the weight of history on his shoulders, aiming to become only the second horse to sweep the 4-year-old Classics. Positioned towards the back early on, the race seemed lost when rival Playa del Puente surged ahead. But in a breathtaking display of speed, Golden Sixty stormed home, clocking a final quarter-mile of an astonishing 21.83 seconds. This unforgettable victory showcased not only his incredible talent but also the resilience that would become his hallmark.
Longines Hong Kong Mile: 2023
After a 224-day absence from the racetrack, many deemed Golden Sixty's chances slim due to a difficult draw. Yet, as he has done so many times before, he defied the odds. With a beautifully timed run and the adoration of the crowd, he surged to victory, reinforcing his status as a fan favorite. Commentator Mark McNamara aptly noted, “That's not a whip, it's a wand,” as Golden Sixty delivered yet another magical performance.
Stewards Cup: 2023
In what was billed as the "race of the decade," Golden Sixty faced off against fellow titans California Spangle and Romantic Warrior. After a brief moment of tension when he was short of room, he exploded to the lead in the final 100 meters, proving yet again why he is a fan favorite and a fierce competitor. This race epitomized his ability to rise to the occasion against the best of the best.
Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup: 2021
In this thrilling contest, Golden Sixty faced a formidable challenge at the metric mile and a quarter. With a confident ride from his longtime jockey Vincent Ho, he engaged in a nail-biting duel with Furore. The battle to the wire was electrifying, showcasing Golden Sixty’s relentless spirit and competitive nature, even in the face of adversity.
Career Debut: 2019
Every great champion has to start somewhere, and Golden Sixty’s debut was a harbinger of the greatness to come. Despite not being flashy in trials, he proved his mettle by finishing strong to win by 1.5 lengths. This race was the first glimpse of the "decent engine" that would soon dominate Hong Kong racing.
