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| Staff Writer |
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The curtain has fallen on the illustrious career of Golden Sixty, with Hong Kong's equine superstar being given a champion's send-off at Sha Tin on Sunday. The eight-year-old gelding, who captured the hearts of racing fans across the region, was honoured in front of a packed parade ring as connections and admirers gathered to bid farewell.
Trained by Francis Lui and ridden throughout his career by Vincent Ho, Golden Sixty's phenomenal record of 26 wins from 31 starts places him firmly among the all-time greats of Hong Kong racing. His dominance on the track saw him amass career earnings of over US$20.8 million, a testament to his consistency at the highest level.
Golden Sixty's reign at the top of Hong Kong racing was highlighted by an impressive haul of 10 Group One victories. His stranglehold on the Horse of the Year title, which he claimed for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, underlined his status as the standout performer of his generation.
Among his most notable triumphs were back-to-back victories in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile in 2020 and 2021, following in the footsteps of previous multiple winners such as Good Ba Ba and Ambitious Dragon. Golden Sixty also etched his name alongside the likes of Able Friend and Beauty Generation in the annals of Hong Kong's miling greats.
Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges paid tribute to Golden Sixty's impact both on and off the track. Writing in his club blog, he reflected on the gelding's significance during a turbulent period:
"Golden Sixty was not only a champion racehorse but he also embodied Hong Kong's finest qualities with his determination to win, resilience and world-class attributes, winning races across six individual seasons from a three-year-old to an eight-year-old.
"Expertly managed by trainer Francis Lui and his staff for owner Stanley Chan, Golden Sixty was ridden in all 31 starts by Vincent Ho and, although bred in Australia, secured out of New Zealand and the son of an American sire, Golden Sixty is very much Hong Kong's hero.
"His herculean feats brought great credit on Hong Kong and our world-class racing and it is a gross understatement to say he will be sorely missed, especially at our flagship meetings where his sheer superiority became a staple ingredient, especially during the bleakness of the COVID-19 pandemic."
While Golden Sixty's racing days may be over, his influence on Hong Kong racing is set to continue. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has announced plans to preserve his legacy through a breeding programme, with the champion's frozen semen to be used in the future.
This initiative ensures that Golden Sixty's exceptional bloodlines and racing qualities have the potential to be passed on to future generations, offering hope that his remarkable story may yet have further chapters to unfold.
As the tributes pour in and the memories of his thrilling performances are celebrated, Golden Sixty's place in Hong Kong racing folklore is assured. From his humble beginnings as a US$185,000 yearling purchase to his status as a multiple Group One-winning millionaire, his journey has captivated and inspired in equal measure.
The sight of Golden Sixty storming down the Sha Tin straight may be consigned to history, but the indelible mark he has left on Hong Kong racing will endure for years to come.