GOLDEN SIXTY - AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT AND A POSSIBLE FAREWELL IN FRONT OF HIS ADORING FANS

By Darren Winningham | Monday, April 29, 2024

The Hong Kong FWD Champions Mile might well be the last run for the Hong Kong record breaking champion Golden Sixty.

The Hong Kong racing public unloaded their cash to support their champion and he started at $1.50 on track.

He was never at ease in the sticky, damp track that he encountered.

Trainer Franis Lui was sad after the race saying, “He still ran well, it was because of the ground.

“He got beaten one time on the same ground. Of course, everyone is still disappointed. Yes, I think [that is his final run] – probably. We’ll discuss with the owner, but he’s nine next year.”

Vincent Ho, regular rider of Golden Sixty was clearly dejected after the race saying, “He ran well. The ground was not in our favour. When I hit the straight, I could already feel he could not pick up with his usual turn of foot.

“I know it’s a bit difficult. It is what it is, we can’t fight the weather. I was in a great position, and everything was close to the speed, but, still we couldn’t improve on that ground.”

If Golden Sixty does retire now, he will take an amazing record with him that will take a long time to beat - 31 starts for 26 wins with ten of them at Group 1 level - amassing an amazing HK$165.850 million in prize money along the way.

Ho stayed on the track for a prolonged period after the race to let the winner and placegetters come down the pathway returning to scale to the cheers and applause of the crowd.

In a touching moment the winning jockey Zac Purton stopped and turned and acknowledged the Hong Kong champion as he returned to scale.

Then Vincent Ho and his wonderful Golden Sixty entered the pathway from the track. The crowd all cheered, waved and yelled out “Golden Sixty” with loud applause coming from them all.

It was an emotional event for WINNO standing on the track taking the photos of this champion that I have seen destroy fields in his career on this very track.

Mixed emotions from me as well – I would have loved him to go out a winner and then retire gracefully. However, it was not to be.

Whatever happens next, Golden Sixty is an amazing equine champion that will never be forgotten in Hong Kong or by me.

If you are a Golden Sixty fan the HKJC have produced a Golden Sixty Champion Premium Box Set – it is a limited-edition package, and you can order it online through the club – it retails for HK$788. It is an amazing package.

I would encourage you to look at this merchandise. One is coming home with me!

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