'I WAS WRONG'.GOLDEN SIXTY WINS AND LEAVES WINNO WITH EGG ALL OVER HIS FACE

By Darren Winningham | Monday, December 11, 2023

I am here offering a public apology to the Hong Kong racing public and all horse racing supporters across the globe.

I did say that Golden Sixty could not win the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (Group 1) worth HK$32 million last week.

I outlined several challenges that he was about to face.

I was WRONG.

They say never doubt a champion – never knock a champion and surely never, ever underestimate a champion.

Reflecting on my stupidity I should have seen the telling signs. The barrier trial where Golden Sixty ran a solid third behind Romantic Warrior – that was a superb run.

His track work on Sha Tin on the Monday prior to the race – well it was outstanding watching it live – then let alone reliving it on video.

Then you have the confidence of Francis Lui and Vincent Ho – they know him like the back of their hands – they were never ever concerned.

Then the barrier draw – barrier 14. Looking back on that it was just a distraction. Other starters had won the race from barrier 14. But we are talking about the three-time Hong Kong horse of the year and Hong Kong Champion – Golden Sixty. He is no ordinary horse, he is truly a champion.

I caught up with Golden Sixty’s champion jockey Vincent Ho after the last race at Sha Tin on Sunday. He did remind me of my faux pas, and I did apologise in person.

He reflected on the win saying “today is the main one winning on my long-term partner, I am grateful that we made it. Now I am looking for the next one – I am happy for his performance today”.

I asked him if he thought at any stage that he was in trouble in the run, he just smiled at me and said “no, no, I had the perfect run – three wide with cover, close to the lead he was travelling so relaxed and had a great kick”.

Lesson learnt everyone – never take on a Group 1 true champion on his home turf.

I think come FWD Champion’s Day in April there will be not many international runners looking to take on the Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty on his home turf, possibly for his last run ever!

I will be there come April – and yes, I will be cheering for him. I was secretly cheering for him on Sunday!

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