| It was billed as Sha Tin’s race of the decade and the 2023 edition of the Group One Stewards’ Cup confirmed superstar Golden Sixty as Hong Kong’s best. |
| Pitted again recent Hong Kong International winners California Spangle and Romantic Warrior, Golden Sixty showed he was still king – raining on the parade of his rivals for a comprehensive win. Third for much of the race, Golden Sixty was able to get a late split in the straight between his main rivals before charging home over the final furlong for an easy length success. Today’s win was the 23rd from 27 starts for Golden Sixty and his seventh at Group One level. His earnings have shot to almost HK$130 million – the equivalent of over A$23.2 million. “I still would like to go (overseas) but we will see how he pulls up,” trainer Francis Lui said. “I had a little bit of confidence before the race. Everybody could see Zac’s horse would lead and Teetan’s horse would follow, and they both can have a chance to win the race, so in this race I’m not worried if anyone can block my horse.” The main issue now for connections is the future plans for the seven-year-old. He could run in the Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) next month while races in Dubai and Japan are options. “I am just so happy for Golden Sixty,” regular rider Vincent Ho reported. “The team did great work after the last race and to come back to his optimum fitness was great.” “I still believe that he is one of the best horses at a mile – you still have to respect our opponents – but I have to trust my horse.” “He was very comfortable (in the run) and this year he has not pulled, so when he jumped very well, he still dropped the bit and made it even easier for me to handle him and decide what position I wanted to get.” “When Zac (Purton) picked the pace up at the half mile, he followed through very nicely without any effort,” Ho added. “I think Golden Sixty still has the best turn of foot out of the three.” Golden Sixty was bred by the Hutchins’ family from Element Hill in Queensland and sold for $120,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He was purchased there by Riversley Park and Enigma Farm before finding his way in Hong Kong for owner Stanley Chan and trainer Francis Lui. A son of Group One racehorse and sire Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado), Golden Sixty is from the Leopardstown Group Two winner Gaudeamus. A multiple stakes winner at two, Gaudeamus (Distorted Humour) has produced six winners including three to black type. Aside from Golden Sixty the others are Rainbow Connection and Igitur. Josh Hutchins purchased Gaudeamus, carrying Golden Sixty, at the 2014 Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale for $160,000 from the draft of Wood Nook Farm. Winner: Golden Sixty Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro-Gaudeamus (Distorted Humor) Breeder: Asco International Pty Ltd Race: HKJC Stewards’ Cup G1 (1600m) Sold for: $120,000 Sale: 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Element Hill Buyer: Riversley Park/Enigma Farm Earnings: HK$129,690,600 (approx. A$23.2 million) Owner(s): Stanley Chan Ka Leung Trainer: Francis Lui |
