LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO AND THE AUSSIE CONNECTION

By Tim Clayton | Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Lim’s Kosciuszko, the remarkable star of Singapore racing, is back in Hong Kong for a second shot at Longines Hong Kong International Race Day success.

Australian trainer Dan Meagher brought Lim’s Kosciuszko to Hong Kong last December and raced in the HK$24 million, Longines Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint where things did not go to plan with the gelding finishing out of the placings.

Since returning to Singapore, Lim’s Kosciuszko has raced six times and has been undefeated. Five of those wins have been at Group 1 level with his latest win coming in the prestigious Group 1, Singapore Gold Cup.

There is a slight adjustment to the target this time around with Meagher taking aim at the Group 1, Longines Hong Kong Mile worth HK$32 million.

Meagher is well aware of the mammoth task ahead as Lim’s Kosciuszko will be taking on the Hong Kong Champion and reigning horse of the year Golden Sixty in the race.

Speaking to HRO at trackwork at Sha Tin this morning, Meagher had a very direct answer when asked about the preparation and outcome of last year’s Hong Kong campaign.

“That was my fault. I probably thought about it too much,” admitted Meagher. “I did things different to the way I normally would, so this year I just kept a normal routine”.

Meagher also made mention of heeding his dad’s (John Meagher) advice, “I had the old man speaking in the back of my head telling me to keep it simple,” said Meagher. (*Amongst other distinctions, John Meagher trained the 1985 Melbourne Cup winner, What a Nuisance).

Australian jockey Damien Lane has been booked to ride Lim’s Kosciuszko in this year’s race. Meagher explained how this came about.

“Damien is a great jockey,” said Meagher. “He is up here riding the Japanese horses. We’ve got a little bit of a connection with him riding a Group 1 winner (in the 2020 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Pippie) for my brother Chris back home and he was more than happy to ride. I think he’ll suit him really well”.

When asked on how he thought trackwork went this morning (Tuesday) Meagher was very positive in response, saying, “He was a little bit alert yesterday having a bit of a look around.

“Today he was more focused, and we were really happy with him today.

“C. C. Wong, who is the jockey who rode him to five Group 1 wins in Singapore unfortunately is suspended, but he has come up to help us ride trackwork and he also was very happy with him.”

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