Golden Sixty’s Remarkable Victory at the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile
The racing world witnessed a spectacular display of athleticism and speed at Sha Tin today as Golden Sixty, an eight-year-old thoroughbred, clinched his 26th career win in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile. This victory not only demonstrates Golden Sixty’s enduring prowess but also solidifies his status as the highest-earning racehorse of all time, with career earnings
The event saw a remarkable betting turnover of HK$1,682million (approx. £171.7m), including a record-setting commingling turnover for a 10-race Hong Kong meeting of HK$429.6 million (£43.8m). The attendance of 65,252 was the largest HKIR crowd since 2019, highlighting the event’s growing popularity.
A Day of Exceptional Racing: CEO’s Perspective
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, hailed the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races as one of Hong Kong’s finest racing days. He noted the significant contributions of international and local horsemen and praised the remarkable performances of the day, including the victories of Junko and Romantic Warrior in other Group 1 races.
Vincent Ho, Golden Sixty’s jockey, expressed his awe at the horse’s incredible performance, describing him as a “monster” with an unbelievable turn of foot. Despite Golden Sixty’s age, Ho emphasized the horse’s vitality and racing passion, hinting at the potential reconsideration of his retirement plans.
The Legacy of Golden Sixty
Trainer Francis Lui commended his team’s efforts in maintaining Golden Sixty’s peak condition, reflecting on the horse’s love for racing and his outstanding performance in the trial races leading up to the event.
The day also saw trainer Andre Fabre achieve a historic third win in the Vase with Junko, ridden by Maxime Guyon, delivering a spectacular performance from last to first.
Romantic Warrior’s Gritty Performance in the Hong Kong Cup
James McDonald, aboard Romantic Warrior, lauded the horse’s toughness and will to win, following a close victory over Aidan O’Brien’s Luxembourg in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup.
In the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, Lucky Sweynesse, ridden by Zac Purton, confirmed his status as the world’s top sprinter on turf, demonstrating exceptional speed and agility.
Our Comment on the Article
This day of racing at the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile epitomizes the pinnacle of horse racing, showcasing not just the physical capabilities of these magnificent animals but also the strategic acumen of their trainers and jockeys. Golden Sixty’s victory, at the venerable age of eight, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and dedication prevalent in the sport.
The success of this event, marked by record-breaking betting and attendance, underscores Hong Kong’s prominent position on the global racing stage. Each race, each victory, weaves a narrative of triumph and resilience, capturing the essence of what makes horse racing a sport of kings.
