MISSING MY OLD MATE, GOLDEN SIXTY

By Darren Winningham | Monday, December 2, 2024

Things are just not the same this year at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).

For the last four years we have come to the Sha Tin racecourse to witness greatness … to witness champions being made and to see the loyal Hong Kong racing patrons and the racing world marvel at the amazing equine talent that this horse racing precinct continues to develop and transform into folklore.

One such champion is the recently retired Golden Sixty who dominated the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile in 2020, 2021 and 2023 and was narrowly beaten in 2022 … and the winner of ten Group 1 races across his stellar career.

The Francis Lui trained gelding won this race last year as an eight-year-old. He was ridden by his best mate and regular jockey Vincent Ho.

I must admit that coming to Sha Tin in 2024 will be not the same without seeing this winner of a total of 26 races and a champion who accumulated more than HK $176 million in prize money parade and then take to the track to the roars and applause of the parochial Hong Kong crowd.

Owner Stanley Chan always took the time out for the world’s media including myself – ensuring that we knew how the Hong Kong champion was going on the track in preparation for his big wins. I am grateful for these special moments with him.

His most exhilarating wins were on this day and each time I have been fortunate to witness this true champion of the Hong Kong turf.

The champion has gone – but will not be forgotten with the Hong Kong Jockey Club still selling Golden Sixty merchandise in their gift shops.

What will happen in the mile in 2024?

The field is open with representatives from around the world looking to claim the mantle of possibly the best miler in the world. International visitors from Japan. Great Britain, France, Australia and a strong representation from the local Hong Kong team will ensure an intriguing contest.

So, the stage is set for the possible crowning and the emergence of a new champion in the 2024 LONGINES HKIR.

With the glory of Golden Sixty still very much locked in the memory, this year’s contenders certainly have big shoes to fill.

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