A two-time winner of that prize in 2021 and 2023, the 8-year-old gelding will face a restricted workout schedule for the next three to four weeks. Owned by Stanley Chan Ka Leung, the bay has won 10 Group 1s in Hong Kong.

“We found, the day before yesterday [Wednesday] in the morning, a little bit of filling and a little bit of heat [in his front left leg],” said trainer Francis Lui. “The vets did a check, a scan and an MRI–there's nothing serious, but they sent a report to England.

“It's very slight but, of course, for the safety side, we don't want to push him because the race is only three weeks' time. The vets said we can give him light trotting for three or four weeks and progressively we can check on him. The issue is just inside the pastern on his front left leg.”

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With a narrow victory over Zac Purton in the fourth and final leg of the series, Ho amassed a total of 20 points to Purton's 18, with Australia's Rachel King and the locally based South African Lyle Hewitson on 16 points. King was declared outright third, with her victory in the first leg of the competition and an additional third-place finish in the finale trumping Hewitson's three minor placings.

To say it has been an eventful last four months in the life of Vincent Ho would be an understatement of monumental proportions. The 33-year-old graduate of the HKJC's Apprentice Jockeys' School, who is best known for his affiliation with three-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), announced his intentions to participate in the Shergar Cup at Ascot in August and was planning on riding at Goodwood as a warm-up as well. But he was seriously injured in a spill in late July when riding on a short-term stint at Niigata in Japan, resulting in a fractured vertebra, whiplash and a pneumothorax on his lung, Asian Racing Report wrote in August.

Despite the severity of the injuries, Ho was back in time for the third meeting of the new season in Hong Kong, only to be suspended in early October for 10 meetings for failing to sufficiently ride out his mount in a dead-heat victory, a penalty later cut to eight while being forced to pay a fine of HK$120,000 in lieu of the two extra dates. He returned to the saddle on Nov. 12 and still managed to book his spot in the IJC, in which he had finished alone in third in 2019 and a joint-third with fellow local rider Derek Leung last year.

But it was King, making her IJC debut, who struck first for Melbourne Cup-winning conditioner David Hall aboard 9-1 outsider Oversubscribed (Aus) (Reward For Effort {Aus}) (video), who–as reported by HKJC commentator Tom Wood–was making his fourth straight appearance in the Class 4 over the 1000 metres.

“He was probably the perfect start to riding here at Happy Valley,” said King, who narrowly missed winning this year's World Series Jockeys at Sapporo. “He's looked after me and did everything for me.”

Speaking after her third placing was confirmed, King added: “I think it was a good first effort. The atmosphere at Happy Valley is unbelievable and I really enjoyed it.”

Ryan Moore, a two-time IJC winner and three times its runner-up, had his best scoring chance in the second leg of the IJC and duly obliged aboard 8-5 favourite M Unicorn (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) for the training King of Happy Valley Caspar Fownes, spearing through from between rivals before proving a slashing winner (video). Moore was himself injured in a fall at Kyoto Nov. 19.

Leading Hong Kong jockey Zac Purton was downplaying his chances for a third IJC in the last four years prior to the event, but put himself into the reckoning with an inspired stalk-and-pounce ride aboard Silver Sonic (Aus) (Exosphere {Aus}) for Golden Sixty's trainer Francis Lui at odds just north of 8-1 (video).

Half of the 12 riders remained in with chances to varying degrees entering the IJC finale over 1200 metres. From an outside alley, Ho kicked the in-form David Hayes-trained Tomodachi Kokoroe (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}) straight into the lead, set a steady pace and just held off Purton's mount Kaholo Angel (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) to secure the victory (video).

The always humble Ho learned he'd won only during the post-race debrief with the HKJC's Nick Child.

“I was not aware [I had won] and I didn't even know about the points, I just kept riding every race to have a winning chance,” said Ho. “I felt the track today favoured the front-runners a little bit so that definitely helped and of course Mr Hayes' team did a great job and helped me win this.

“As the first homegrown of course I received plenty of support here and hopefully it will inspire more kids.”

Ho, whose two HKIR successes came aboard Golden Sixty in the Hong Kong Mile in 2020 and 2021, also rides Senor Toba (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) in the Hong Kong Vase and the progressive Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Cup, both for former boss Fownes.

Moore's 12 points was good for fifth place, Tom Marquand's best finish was a fourth in leg three and Hollie Doyle posted a pair of fifth-place finishes. Yuga Kawada, James McDonald, Bauyrzhan Murzabayev and Karis Teetan also failed to point.

That's one way to kick off the #IJC! @LONGINES | #IJC | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/Hs5LquPZBg

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 6, 2023

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If you had a punt, one of two things happened–you either didn't get wealthy betting them or tore tickets trying to oppose them.

In the end, each of the trio proved soft winners. Lucky Sweynesse consolidated his position as the leading sprinter and arguably one of the all-time best sprinters in the jurisdiction in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize, while Golden Sixty–who could not quite reel in California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in search of a three-peat in December's G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile–raced as close to the speed as he has in recent memory, then produced his trademark acceleration to win the G1 FWD Champions Mile for a record-setting third time. With the win, the 7-year-old reportedly surpasses Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) as the richest racehorse in history. Romantic Warrior could not solve Golden Sixty in the G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in his two most recent runs, but he stamped his authority on the G1 FWD QE II Cup for the second year in a row, comfortably besting Japan's Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}).

“It was a day that showed Hong Kong racing has fully come back to the world stage with the atmosphere and the performances of these champion horses,” said Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “This is really a global event and one which has improved the reputation of Hong Kong racing, especially after COVID. Today was a fantastic day of racing, the atmosphere was electrifying and the fans definitely supported us.”

Romantic Warrior Makes History Of His Own

Reported to have had a bit of a temperature the days leading up to his Gold Cup defeat, Romantic Warrior was on song for the QE II Cup and put on dominating performance in defence of his title.

Forwardly placed as Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) was allowed to crawl up front, Romantic Warrior was slipped just a bit of rein by the visiting James McDonald–also in the saddle in December–and the duo quickly went to the front-runner shortly after turning into the straight before streaking clear. His final 400 metres were timed in :22.53, faster than Golden Sixty's finishing kick and only fractionally slower than Lucky Sweynesse.

“He's a world-class horse and put in a performance just like he did in December,” said McDonald. “There wasn't one part of the race where I thought he wasn't right–he was always going to explode for me–and the race panned out beautifully. He's a world-class horse. It took an absolute weapon to run him down last time, but he's a great 2000m horse and I really enjoy riding him.”

Prognosis, last-out winner of the G2 Kinko Sho, rallied from the tail to be second, while Dubai Honour (GB) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}) kept on for third in a race that wasn't run to suit, according to his trainer William Haggas.

“It was messy from our point of view but Romantic Warrior was so good,” the conditioner said of Dubai Honour, who won the G1 Ranvet S. and G1 Longines Queen Elizabeth S. in Australia prior to his getting his passport stamped in Hong Kong as well. “But the last few months have been fantastic, more than I could have dreamed of, and it really whets your appetite for more of these trips.”

Trainer Danny Shum was at one time an assistant to Ivan Allan, who sent Fairy King Prawn (Aus) (Danehill) to Japan to win the Yasuda Kinen, and that country could be a future port of call for Romantic Warrior.

“I feel big relief and I must say a big thank you to my stable team, the mafoos, the work rider Gary Lau as they work very hard and never give up,” he said. “We plan to run now in the [G1 Standard Chartered] Champions and Chater Cup (2400m, May 28] and then we will have a good look about Japan for next season.

The 2000-metre Tenno Sho (Autumn) is what Shum is considering, a race that could also attract the world's top-rated Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}).

“I'd like to go to Japan,” Shum added. “I have a history because my ex-boss Ivan won the Yasuda Kinen and I hope I will follow him successfully and win a Group 1 there.”

Pedigree Notes:

Romantic Warrior is one of three winners from three to the races for his dam, a daughter of the English listed-winning and Group 3-placed, G2 Prix Jean Romanet and GI E. P. Taylor S. winner Folk Opera, who was purchased by Blandford Bloodstock carrying to Exceed and Excel (Aus) for €82,000 at the 2016 Goffs November Sale. The in-utero purchase, named Melodic Charm (Ire), was sold for 85,000gns at the 2018 Tattersalls October Sale and was a two-time winner at the races for Saeed Manana and James Tate before clearly benefitting from the success of Romantic Warrior when selling to the China Horse Club  for 270,000gns in foal to Dark Angel (Ire) at last year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Folk Melody is also the dam of the 3-year-old colt Operation Gimcrack (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and a yearling colt by the same stallion.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
FWD QE II CUP-G1, HK$25,000,000, Sha Tin, 4-30, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:01.92, gd.
1–ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE), 126, g, 5, by Acclamation (GB)
1st Dam: Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire)
2nd Dam: Folk Opera (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire)
3rd Dam: Skiphall (GB), by Halling
(300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny Shum Chap-shing; J-James McDonald; HK$14,250,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 4yo & Ch. Middle Distance Horse-HK, 13-10-2-0, HK$81,725,400. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Prognosis (GB), 126, h, 5, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Velda (GB), by Observatory. O-Shadai Race Horse Ltd; B-Shadai Farm; T-Mitsumasa Nakauchida; J-Zac Purton; HK$5,500,000.
3–Dubai Honour (GB), 126, g, 5, Pride Of Dubai (Aus)–Mondelice (GB), by Montjeu (Ire). (110,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT). O-Mohammed Obaida; B-Macha Bloodstock/Meridian International; T-William Haggas; J-Tom Marquand; HK$2,500,000.
Margins: 2, HF, HF. Odds: 3-5, 33-5, 37-10.
Also Ran: Money Catcher (NZ), Danon the Kid (Jpn), Geraldina (Jpn), Tourbillon Diamond (Aus). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

G60 Legacy Grows In Champions Mile

As the HKJC's Nick Child told jockey Vincent Ho post-race, there comes a point where you run out of superlatives for a horse like Golden Sixty. In scoring for the ninth time at the elite level, he surpasses Beauty Generation (NZ) as the most prolific Group 1 winner in Hong Kong history, becomes the first to win the Champions Mile three times and reportedly assumes the mantle as the world's richest-ever racehorse.

Soon to turn eight, Golden Sixty is still delivering the goods and was even showing a bit of a new dimension Sunday afternoon. Very quickly into stride, he was content to sit atypically handy to the pace so as not to allow California Spangle and BMW Hong Kong Derby hero Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) to get too far away. Best known for his killer turn of foot, Golden Sixty was allowed to creep forward and split the two front-runners, looking precariously placed for a stride or two, but when asked to sprint, he left his rivals in the dust to record a third straight victory overall since going down to defeat in the Hong Kong Mile.

“We got a sneak through the inside, one off and sort of in second position,” Ho explained. “I told myself before this race to try and enjoy every moment with Golden Sixty because he is seven now and we don't know when he is going to retire but it's the best way to enjoy every single step with him.

“I'm nothing without him. All of the credit goes to Golden Sixty,” the soft-spoken Ho added humbly.

Having annexed two-thirds of the older horse Triple Crown, Golden Sixty could press on for a sweep in the Champions and Chater Cup, where he would find Romantic Warrior again. But trainer Francis Lui is thinking more long-term, with the Hong Kong Mile the objective.

“Now we just keep a little bit longer in between races, before we could keep racing–even some of the Group 3 races–but now we just pick the Group 1 races,” Lui said.

Pedigree Notes:

Golden Sixty's dam, winner of the 2006 G2 Debutante S. for Jim Bolger, is also responsible for the Southern Hemisphere-bred 3-year-old filly Golden Sister (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}), an A$425,000 graduate of the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, who was unraced in Australia and has since been sent to the U.S., where she was to be covered by Medaglia d'Oro this breeding season. The mare's current yearling is a filly by Medaglia d'Oro's 2015 G1 Golden Slipper S. hero Vancouver (Aus) and she produced a filly by Wootton Bassett (GB) last Oct. 10 before visiting So You Think (NZ) last November.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
FWD CHAMPIONS MILE-G1, HK$20,000,000, Sha Tin, 4-30, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.34, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, g, 7, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui Kin-wai; J-Vincent Ho Chak-yiu; HK$11,400,000. Lifetime Record: 2x Horse of the Year, 2x Ch. Miler, Ch. Middle Distance Horse & Ch. 4yo-HK, 29-25-2-1, HK$147,930,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus; and Rainbow Connection (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), GSP-Aus, $134,127. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.  Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Beauty Joy (Aus), 126, g, 6, Sebring (Aus)–Impressive Jeuney (Aus), by Jeune (GB). O-Eleanor Kwok Law Kwai Chun; B-; T-Tony Cruz A S; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$4,400,000.
3–California Spangle (Ire), 126, g, 5, Starspangledbanner (Aus)–Pearlitas Passion (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire). (€150,000 Ylg '19 GOFORB). O-Howard Liang Yum Shing; B-M Enright; T-Tony Cruz A S; J-Zac Purton; HK$2,000,000.
Margins: 1HF, 3/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 2-5, 20-1, 11-5.
Also Ran: Voyage Bubble (Aus), Aegon (NZ), My Oberon (GB), Waikuku (Ire), Healthy Happy (Aus). Scratched: Glorious Dragon (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

'Swey'-ing To The Music

Hustled along early, Lucky Sweynesse was trapped out three deep early in the Chairman's Sprint Prize, but he always traveled like a winner, and when Purton hit the gas in upper stretch, the race was well and truly put to bed. In the end, he had a margin of 3 1/4 lengths on fellow Kiwi-bred Courier Wonder (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}). Two-time defending Chairman's winner Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), who proved the chief beneficiary when odds-on Lucky Sweynesse ran into serious trouble when sixth on international day, was a well-beaten third.

In the process, Lucky Sweynesse was securing an HK$5-million bonus for becoming the first since the legendary Silent Witness (Aus) to sweep the Sprint series which also included the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) in February and the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) the following month. The 4-year-old is unbeaten in five starts since the Hong Kong Sprint Dec. 11.

“He's very unassuming and once he gets out of the gates, you can ride him anywhere. Inside, outside,” Purton said. “He's versatile in his races, he can come from back in the field, he's led, he's stalked the leader. He's such a lovely horse and he's very laid-back and he conserves his energy for races.”

Lucky Sweynesse has been registered for the G1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo in early June, a race that would mark his first start at the mile. The Everest in Sydney has also been mentioned as a potential option, but connections are playing it close to the vest for now.

“I think, at this moment, we're thinking about 1200m or 1400m distance,” Man said. “One mile is still a concern, the distance. We're still thinking. I need to discuss with the owner first. When we make the decision, we'll tell everybody.”

Pedigree Notes:

A full-brother to 2021 G1 Queensland Oaks third Signora Nera, Lucky Sweynesse has a 3-year-old half-brother by Per Incanto and a yearling half-brother by Contributer (Ire). Having missed to Sweynesse for 2022, Madonna Mia most recently returned to that stallion.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE-G1, HK$20,000,000, Sha Tin, 4-30, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:08.38, gd.
1–LUCKY SWEYNESSE (NZ), 126, g, 4, by Sweynesse (Aus)
1st Dam: Madonna Mia (NZ) (SW-NZ, $134,764), by Red Clubs (Ire)
2nd Dam: Hill of Hope (Aus), by Danehill
3rd Dam: Macozie (Aus), by Marscay (Aus)
(NZ$90,000 2yo '20 NZBRTR). O-Cheng Ming Leung, Cheng Yu Tung, Cheng Mei Mei & Cheng Yu Wai; B-P L Dombroski, Explosive Breeding Ltd & S A Sharrock; T-Manfred Man Ka-leung; J-Zac Purton; HK$11,400,000. Lifetime Record: 16-12-2-1, HK$43,885,200. *Full to Signora Nera (NZ), G1SP-Aus, SP-NZ, $145,027. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Courier Wonder (NZ), 126, g, 5, Sacred Falls (NZ)–Fabulist (NZ), by Savabeel (Aus). (NZ$150,000 Ylg '19 NZBJAN). O-Mr & Mrs Chadwick Mok Cham Hung; B-Waikato Stud Ltd; T-John Size; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$4,400,000.
3–Wellington (Aus), 126, g, 6, All Too Hard (Aus)–Mihiri (Aus), by More Than Ready. (A$70,000 Ylg '18 MMGCYS). O-Mr & Mrs Michael Cheng Wing On & Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong; B-Kia Ora Stud Pty Ltd, David Paradise, Steve McCann (NSW); T-Richard Gibson; J-Alexis Badel; HK$2,000,000.
Margins: 3 1/4, 1 1/4, 1. Odds: 1-5, 33-1, 32-5.
Also Ran: Sight Success (Aus), Aguri (Jpn), Duke Wai (NZ), Flaming Rib (Ire), Master Eight (Aus). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

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That he offered his backers $2.30 was only logical, as he was facing off with Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), perfect in four starts over the course and 2000-metre distance, which was supposed to be the great equaliser and level the playing field. Romantic Warrior, off as the $1.50 jolly Sunday, got first run and turned for home with every conceivable chance, but Golden Sixty was all guts when push came to shove and was home a head to the good to win for the 24th time from 28 starts, including a narrow success in this event two years ago.

Sunday's game plan was a pretty straight-forward one–don't let Romantic Warrior out of your sights–and Vincent Ho followed those instructions to the letter, even having to get after Golden Sixty through demanding middle sectionals. Karis Teetan aboard the favourite tried to win the race 600 metres from home and the duo struck to the lead, even as Golden Sixty was poised to tackle him. While his customary turn of acceleration was noticeably and understandably less electric given the distance of the Gold Cup, Golden Sixty continued to knuckle down and grabbed Romantic Warrior a handful of strides before the winning post. Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) made the running into the straight and held gamely for third.

“He was very relaxed today, I even had to ask him a little to keep up today in the back straight and, of course, I had another great horse to follow through and ask for the full effort at the 200- [metre mark],” said Ho. “I just had to stay close with him and don't let him get away too far.”

Ho added, “To be honest, I expected the other horse would have beaten us but, of course, I just do my best on Golden Sixty without hurting him too much for the Champions Mile or if we go to Japan, so it's going to take time for him to recover, aged seven now. I just don't want to overdo it, but doing my best to [help him] perform at that level.”

It was an eighth Group 1 conquest for Golden Sixty, equaling the number achieved by Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road To Rock {Aus}) and his earnings now exceed an eye-watering HK$136 million. Next up could be the G2 Chairman's Trophy back over a mile on Apr. 9 into either the G1 Champions' Mile or the G1 FWD QE II Cup (2000m) Apr. 30. Though the G1 Yasuda Kinen in early June remains an option, Golden Sixty remains an outside chance to shoot for the older horse Triple Crown in the G1 Champions and Chater Cup over 12 furlongs May 28.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-26, 2000mT, 1:59.98, gd/fm.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, g, 7, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui Kin-wai; J-Vincent Ho Chak-yiu; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 2x Horse of the Year, Ch. Middle Distance Horse & Ch. 4yo-HK, 28-24-2-1, HK$136,530,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus; and Rainbow Connection (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), GSP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Romantic Warrior (Ire), 126, g, 5, Acclamation (GB)–Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire). (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny Shum Chap-shing; J-Karis Teetan; HK$2,640,000.
3–Money Catcher (NZ), 126, g, 5, Ferlax (NZ)–Warren's Sister (NZ), by Savabeel (Aus). (NZ$13,000 Wlg '18 NZBMAY; NZ$60,000 2yo '19 NZBRTR). O-The Sunflower Syndicate; B-Haunui Bloodstock Ltd; T-Frankie Lor Fu-chuen; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: HD, 1 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 13-10, 1-2, 45-1.
Also Ran: Glorious Dragon (Ire), Panfield (Chi), Tourbillon Diamond (Aus), Ka Ying Star (GB). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO.

So-Ho Team To Take Out the Classic Cup

Trainer Chris So celebrated the most important victory of his career when Super Sunny Sing (Aus) (Nicconi {Aus}), ridden by Ho about 70 minutes after the Gold Cup, swept past Sword Point (Aus) (American Pharoah) in the dying stages to scoop the Hong Kong Classic Cup, the final local lead-up to the BMW Hong Kong Derby three weeks down the road.

Settled with about four rivals behind as Sword Point dropped over from his high draw to apply some pressure to all-the-way Classic Mile winner Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) and Jamie Kah, the 12-5 favourite was swung out wide and into the clear approaching the stretch. Sword Point, Group 2-placed in Australia for Chris Waller, claimed Voyage Bubble with about a furlong to race, but Super Sunny Sing was motoring home down the centre of the track and did his best running through the line with a final 400 metres in a slick :22.70. Galaxy Witness (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}) earned a photo for third over Classic Mile runner-up Tuchel (NZ) (Redwood {GB}).

Super Sunny Sing is reportedly the first to win the Classic Cup while making his Classic series debut since the legendary Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {Aus}) a dozen years ago.

“To get a horse to win this race makes me very happy and it relieves a lot of pressure now,” said So, who was an assistant to Caspar Fownes before going out on his own in 2013. “Today has proven that he should handle further distance, but let's see how he pulls up–if he's sound and happy, we target the Derby. We won't change too much on the programme and just keep him happy.”

A 26th stakes winner for Nicconi and first in Hong Kong, Super Sunny Sing was purchased by John Foote Bloodstock for A$48,000 at the 2020 Inglis Classic Sale. Foote also bought Galaxy Witness for A$160,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale that year. Red Centre's last listed produce is the 3-year-old Press Statement (Aus) filly Altrove (Aus), odds-on winner of a Class 1 handicap at Albury Feb. 2 and runner-up in a Class 2 this past Saturday.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP-LR, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-26, NH/SH4yo, 1800mT, 1:46.26, gd/fm.
1–SUPER SUNNY SING (AUS), 126, g, 4, by Nicconi (Aus)
1st Dam: Red Centre (Aus), by Rubiton (Aus)
2nd Dam: Land of Dreams (Aus), by Kenvain (Aus)
3rd Dam: Holograph (Aus), by Bletchingly (Aus)
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (A$48,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Janice Wong Oi Ying; B-Miss J Henderson, Etak Thoroughbreds (NSW); T-Chris So Way-yin; J-Vincent Ho Chak-yiu; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 9-5-1-1, HK$10,908,900. *Formerly Axe Atkins (Aus). **1/2 to Too Many Reds (Aus) (Magic Albert {Aus}), MSP-Aus, $293,613.
2–Sword Point (Aus), 126, g, 4, American Pharoah–Jazz Song (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). (A$750,000 Ylg '20 MMGCYS). O-Li Chi Pong; B-Morning Rise Stud (Vic); T-Frankie Lor Fu-chuen; J-Hugh Bowman; HK$2,640,000.
3–Galaxy Witness (Aus), 126, g, 4, Star Witness (Aus)–Black Tulip (Aus), by Lonhro (Aus). (A$160,000 Ylg '20 MMGCYS). O-Winnie Law Wing Yin; B-Bird Rock Thoroughbreds (Vic); T-Caspar Fownes; J-Blake Shinn; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: HF, 2 1/4, NO. Odds: 12-5, 9-1, 17-1.
Also Ran: Tuchel (NZ), Flagship Warrior (Aus), Voyage Bubble (Aus), Bon's A Pearla (Aus), Sinba (Aus), Majestic Colour (Aus), La City Blanche (Arg), Sweet Encounter (NZ), Encounterd (Ire), Keefy (Aus), Beautyverse (NZ). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

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Those who may have thought Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro)'s defeat at the hooves of California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in last month's G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile signaled the beginning of the end or a changing of the guard were reminded in no uncertain terms that the 7-year-old retains all of his zest for racing when he ran out a one-length winner. Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), whose rise to the top of the local rankings has been nothing short of meteoric and included a barnstorming win in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup on HKIR day, couldn't quite sprint with Golden Sixty, but did manage to stay on for second over an alibi-free California Spangle.

As opposed to last year's race, when Vincent Ho–by his own admission–settled Golden Sixty too far off the pace and watched a 16-race winning skein come to an inglorious halt when second to Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), the bay was asked to sit handier this time around, as California Spangle lobbed them along through an opening 800 metres in :49.12, well over a second outside standard time. Romantic Warrior and Karis Teetan were content to monitor proceedings from second and the three market leaders began to get away from their four rivals nearing the straight. Though Purton noticeably upped the tempo, Golden Sixty had him covered, and when daylight appeared one off the fence a furlong out, he made use of his quick turn of foot and went on to a victory that was fairly soft in the finish. Romantic Warrior hit a bit of a flat spot inside the final 200 metres, but managed to pick himself up late.

While COVID-19 was primarily responsible for dashing any plans to travel Golden Sixty the last couple of seasons, connections reported that they had paid up for the G1 Dubai Turf Mar. 25 with the G1 Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo in early June also a possibility. The Feb. 26 G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup and a rematch with Romantic Warrior over the latter's best trip of 2000 metres is also under consideration.

“We have to see how he pulls up and we'll discuss with the team,” Ho said. “We have entered the Dubai 1800 on turf as well, so that's another thought. I think it's a good race for him and it can be a 'prep' race for him if we go to Japan because it's left-handed and he can get used to the heat and all that.”

Ho suggested that the sometimes-feisty Golden Sixty has learned to harness his energy.

“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,” he said. “If I wanted him to be faster, he will be and if I drop my reins, he will relax. So, when Zac picked the pace up at the half mile, [Golden Sixty] still followed through very nicely without any effort.

Gaudeamus is also the dam of the unraced 3-year-old filly Golden Sister (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}), an A$425,000 graduate of the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale who has since been exported to America, and a yearling filly by Medaglia d'Oro's G1 Golden Slipper-winning son Vancouver (Aus). She was most recently covered by So You Think (NZ).

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
STEWARDS' CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 1-29, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.99, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, g, 7, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui Kin-wai; J-Vincent Ho Chak-yiu; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 2x Horse of the Year, Ch. Middle Distance Horse & Ch. 4yo-HK, 27-23-2-1, HK$129,960,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus; and Rainbow Connection (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), GSP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
2–Romantic Warrior (Ire), 126, g, 5, Acclamation (GB)–Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire). (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny Shum Chap-shing; J-Karis Teetan; HK$2,640,000.
3–California Spangle (Ire), 126, g, 5, Starspangledbanner (Aus)–Pearlitas Passion (Ire), by High Chaparral (Ire). (€150,000 Ylg '19 GOFORB). O-Howard Liang Yu Shing; B-M Enright; T-Tony Cruz; Zac Purton; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: 1, NK, 3HF. Odds: 3-2, 1-1, 29-10.
Also Ran: Waikuku (Ire), Beauty Joy (Aus), Russian Emperor (Ire), Panfield (Chi). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

Voyage Bubble Specta-'Kah'-lar in Classic Mile…

When jockey Derek Leung opted for Sword Point (Aus) (American Pharoah) in Sunday's Hong Kong Classic Mile, trainer Ricky Yiu reached out to Mickael Barzalona to partner with Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), only to lose his services when the Frenchman was handed a suspension in Dubai. The conditioner then rang up Australia's Jamie Kah, whose first rides in Hong Kong came during last month's Longines International Jockeys' Championship, and who jetted in after five mounts Saturday at Moonee Valley in Melbourne. Let go at odds of 11-1, Voyage Bubble was given a perfectly rated ride from the front by the 26-year-old to score the upset.

Favored Packing Treadmill (Aus) (Manhattan Rain {Aus}) and Keefy (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) were the two quickest away, but Kah took advantage of her low draw and, after a bit of a tardy dispatch, sent Voyage Bubble through to lead linking up with the course proper and slowed the pace right down. Passing the half-way point in a modest :48.51, Voyage Bubble was allowed an especially easy time of things from the 800m to the 400m–covering that section in :23.29–and the duo therefore had something left for the finish, sprinting the final two furlongs in :22.78 for a straight-forward success. Tuchel (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) came on for second having sat a perfect inside trip, while Packing Treadmill kept on for third.

“I'm pretty speechless, it's been a very special day,” said Kah, riding her second winner of the day and third overall in Hong Kong after posting a victory on IJC night. “I've had such a great experience here with some beautiful horses I have ridden. I was speechless after and I got goosebumps–it's hard to make me speechless, it was a very exciting day.”

She added, “He was mapped to get a really nice, sweet run in the race and I was confident. I was just worried about him late as he has the tendency to lay in and I just thought something's going to swoop him late but he just built and built, he got stronger and stronger and probably at the 200 [-metre mark] I thought we were never in doubt–it was a really impressive win going forward.”

With the victory, Voyage Bubble becomes the 24th black-type winner for Deep Field and his second in Hong Kong, joining 2021 G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint hero Sky Field (Aus). Overall, Deep Field is the sire of 28 winners from 48 starters in Hong Kong. Voyage Bubble is out of a half-sister to Bannock (Ire) (Bertolini), winner of the Listed Rockingham S. and placed in the G2 Richmond S. and G2 July S. for Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed al Maktoum and Mark Johnston as well as Australian listed winner Moulin Lady (Aus) (Reset {Aus}). This is also the extended female family of Canadian Horse of the Year Never Retreat (Smart Strike) and Sweetest Chant.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
HONG KONG CLASSIC MILE-LR, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 1-29, NH/SH4yo, 1600mT, 1:34.58, gd.
1–VOYAGE BUBBLE (AUS), 126, g, 4, by Deep Field (Aus)
1st Dam: Raheights (Aus), by Rahy
2nd Dam: Laoub, by Red Ransom
3rd Dam: Lisieux, by Steady Growth
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (A$380,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Sunshine and Moonlight Syndicate; B-Torryburn Stud (NSW); T-Ricky Yiu Poon-fai; J-Jamie Kah; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-3-1, HK$10,617,725. *1/2 to Brettan (Aus) (Commands {Aus}), SP-Aus; and Diddums (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), GSW-Aus, $164,688.
2–Tuchel (NZ), 126, g, 4, Redwood (GB)–Trista Rossa (Aus), by Testa Rossa (Aus). (NZ$130,000 Ylg '20 NZBJAN). O-Philip Chan Kwok Chung; B-G Harvey; T-John Size; J-Luke Currie; HK$2,640,000.
3–Packing Treadmill (Aus), 126, g, 4, Manhattan Rain (Aus)–I'm An Outoftowner (Aus), by Dane Shadow (Aus). (A$30,000 Wlg '19 IGLJUN). O-Exciting Racing Syndicate; B-A Beard (Vic); T-Francis Lui Kin-wai; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, 1HF, 1. Odds: 10-1, 21-1, 3-1.
Also Ran: Cordyceps Six (Aus), Galaxy Witness (Aus), Sword Point (Aus), Keefy (Aus), (DH) Beautyverse (NZ), (DH) Sweet Encounter (NZ), La City Blanche (Arg), Bon's A Pearla (Aus), Viva Chaleur (Fr), Flagship Warrior (Aus), Ivy League (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

The post Overseas Options For G60 Following Thrilling Stewards’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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While he may have fallen just short of equaling the great Silent Witness (Aus)'s mark of 17 wins in a row when defeated in the G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup last winter, he has since roared back and enters the three-peat attempt off a fast-finishing score over the pace-advantaged California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile Nov. 20. The latter, a €150,000 Goffs Orby acquisition for the connections of two-time Hong Kong Cup hero California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}), was 3-5 to Golden Sixty's even-money in the Jockey Club Mile, and was given every conceivable chance by Zac Purton, only to be run down late. He faces the champ at level weights this time, but is the lone speed and must be caught.

A Japanese contingent headed by Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and Danon Scorpion (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), winners of the last two runnings of the age-restricted G1 NHK Mile Cup, stand in his way, but the connections of Golden Sixty have every reason to approach the three-peat attempt with supreme confidence.

“He's okay after the last run and, at the moment, I just try to keep him happy,” said trainer Francis Lui. “He's healthy, happy and is character is just the same. To me, I think he is a special horse. You can see every time, he just wants to pass a horse in front of him.”

Stretch those legs GOLDEN SIXTY!

See firsthand the care @Vincenthocy gives his Hong Kong champion before heading out to work… @HKJC_Racing | #HKIR pic.twitter.com/s9vtNHHjfV

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) December 9, 2022

Japan Can Cap Magical Season at Sha Tin

Even by its lofty standards, the 2022 racing season has been a landmark one for Japanese gallopers that have been sent overseas.

It all got started at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on the last Saturday of February, when Team Japan posted four victories on the G1 Saudi Cup undercard. Four weeks later at sprawling Meydan Racecourse, they somehow managed to top that incredible feat when no fewer than five horses got their pictures taken. It may not have gone swimmingly at places like Royal Ascot and Goodwood over the late spring and summer, and the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe remains the impossible dream–for now, at least–but Japan has realistic chances in three of the four races Sunday afternoon, none more so than the day's most valuable prize, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

Panthalassa (Jpn), whose sire Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) was a breathtaking two-time winner of the Sprint, was one of the aforementioned scorers in Dubai, dead-heating with Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Dubai Turf and he figures no worse than the second betting favourite Sunday.

The 5-year-old may have found the 11 furlongs of the G1 Takarazuka Kinen a task too tall in June, but he was exceptionally game in second in his two most recent efforts–both from the front–first behind Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) after a fight in the G2 Sapporo Kinen and when given a bold ride in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), opening up by as many as 15 lengths before just failing to hold off the talented Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). Panthlassa will look to channel his inner A Shin Hikari (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}, all-the-way winner of the 2015 Cup, but Jack d'Or could be the fly in the ointment if he, too, is asked to roll forward for Yutaka Take. Japan has won the last three Cups and five of the last seven.

Should a contested pace materialize, Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) looks the most likely beneficiary. Purchased for 300,000gns out of the 2019 Tattersalls October Sale by the Hong Kong Jockey Club team led by Mick Kinane and the current pin-up horse for the Hong Kong International Sale, last year's BMW Hong Derby and G1 FWD QE II Cup winner overcame an interrupted preparation with a victory over Tourbillon Diamond (Aus) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup Nov. 20.

“He's definitely going to be there when whips are cracking,” said jockey James McDonald, who was honored as the Longines World's Best Jockey Friday evening. “It's a very competitive Hong Kong Cup and he has to come up to another level taking on the Japanese but I'm sure he can.”

Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who took the 2020 GI Breeders' Cup Mile at cricket-score odds, won this year's G3 Minstrel S. (1400m) and was placed in the G1 Queen Anne S., G1 Prix du Moulin and GI Coolmore Turf Mile. Connections nevertheless opt for the Cup over a trip he has not tackled in over two years.

“He's been running all the time over a mile but we always thought stepping up over a mile and a quarter would improve him more,” trainer Aidan O'Brien said. “He's obviously by Australia and we're very happy with him, we'll see what happens on Sunday.

“He has won over seven furlongs twice as well, so we kept him at a mile after the Breeders' Cup win, but we'd think there's a pretty good chance that [2000m] will be fine.”

Hong Kong Hard To Go Past in Sprint

If the Japanese have been a problem too tough to solve in the Cup, the home team has nearly totally dominated the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. In the 23 renewals of the race dating back to 1999, on just six occasions have foreign horses launched a successful raid and only once in the last 11 years with Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in 2020.

Last year's Hong Kong champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) was badly hampered by the spill in last year's Sprint won by Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), but recovered to close the season with a successful defence of his crown in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize. The 6-year-old returned as the 135-pound topweight in the G2 Premier Bowl H. Oct. 23 and gave the progressive Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) 11 pounds and a one-length beating. The latter turned the tables last time in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Sprint, but Wellington was found to be lame thereafter and has since been passed fit to run. Ryan Moore subs in on Wellington for the injured Alexis Badel.

“I have strong feelings for Alexis Badel,” Gibson said. “It's a very big day for him to miss. He's got a very good relationship with Wellington. He understands the horse very well, so my thoughts are with him but obviously delighted to call on Ryan's expertise and experience for the big one.”

Moore was aboard Danon Smash from the 14 hole two years ago.

The 2022 Japanese challenge is spearheaded by the winners of the nation's two Group 1 sprints. Naran Huleg (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}) rallied furiously to just take out the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in the spring, while Gendarme (Kitten's Joy) belied odds of nearly 20-1 from close range in the G1 Sprinters' S. Oct. 2.

Singapore adds a bit more international flavour to the meeting and is represented by Lim's Kosciuszko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}), winner of 11 from 14 at home, including the country's signature sprint test, the Lion City Cup in August, and he was versatile enough to win a Singapore Derby (1800m) prior to that effort.

What a stunning photoby @ashbrennanphoto of our mouse #kosi
We absolutely love this https://t.co/d59HLWJ5mB

— (@meagherracingsg) December 9, 2022

Vase Sets The Table

The G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase for the middle-distance set has attracted a two-time champion and an interesting collection of European shippers to face a somewhat suspect group of locals.

Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) doesn't make too many trips to the races and seems to save his best for Sha Tin. The 4-5 favourite when accounting for Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) last December, having won the Vase for the first time two years prior, the 7-year-old was eighth to Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March and was a fair sixth to Jack d'Or in the Sapporo Kinen. He will benefit from the extra 400 metres and has the services of Joao Moreira, who also rides Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Cup and Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the Sprint in what is expected to be his final day in the saddle in Hong Kong.

Of the Euros, Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) owns the single most important piece of recent form, having run second to Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 5. A likely pacesetter from the inside gate, the 3-year-old is one of two for Aidan O'Brien, who also saddles the well-traveled Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}).

“We were delighted with him in the Breeders' Cup, he ran a very good race and had progressed from his previous run at Ascot,” O'Brien said of Stone Age. “We've been happy with everything we've seen from him since then. It had been on my mind to go to Hong Kong since after the Breeders' Cup, we thought the track, trip and ground should all suit him fine, we're all looking forward to it.”

Making his first visit to Hong Kong, Broome was an impressive winner of the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot, and has since made fruitless appearances back at Ascot, Saratoga, Leopardstown, ParisLongchamp and Keeneland, where he was five lengths' sixth in the Breeders' Cup.

“We had it in our heads that we might go to the [G1 Longines] Japan Cup, it just came maybe a week or two too early and that's why we waited. We were delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong with him. He's in good form and is a very good natured, very sound horse,” explained O'Brien, who has won the Vase twice with Highland Reel (Ire) and most recently with Mogul (GB) two years ago.

Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) upset last year's Arc winner Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden in September, but did not get through the deep ground in Paris when 12th in the Arc. The chestnut can go better on a sounder surface this weekend, provided he is on his best behaviour.

Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is winless from five this season, but has run with credit, including a close third to future Arc heroine Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Trainer Mikel Delzangles won the 2011 Vase with Dunaden (Fr). Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) represents Godolphin France and Andre Fabre and owns a victory over Saudi and Dubai winner Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville this past August.

THE PICKS:

Cup—Panthalassa will be winging it, but I expect Jack d'Or to keep him honest enough. That should give Romantic Warrior a fair shot at them late.

Mile–Not trying to beat Golden Sixty, especially from a favourable draw. Schnell Meister for second?

Sprint—Naran Huleg will be completely under the radar and probably shouldn't be. Rattled home in both of Japan's Group 1 sprints, good for a smashing win and a third.

Vase–Trying Mendocino, who was all heart to beat the Arc winner at Iffezheim and even has a close second to Alpinista going back. Must handle the quicker ground, but rates a chance. Glory Vase clearly the one to beat at his favourite track.

We're all set for Sunday's (11 Dec) @LONGINES #HKIR at Sha Tin!

Golden Sixty
Romantic Warrior
Wellington
Jack d'Or
Panthalassa
Bubble Gift
Mendocino
Stone Age
+ more…
x4 Group 1s
HK$110 million#競馬 | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/SNpPsUUnfL

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

The post Hong Kong’s ‘Golden’ Boy On the Verge of More History appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Winner under a five-pound penalty of the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Mile when making his seasonal debut three weeks ago, the 7-year-old has won 22 of his 25 starts to date for record Hong Kong earnings of over HK$116 million. With his chief rival California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) expected to make the running from gate two and with a pair of get-back runners in Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and 2021 runner-up More Than This (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) drawn one and three, respectively, Vincent Ho should be able to pick his spot and let Golden Sixty do the talking late.

“I got what I wanted,” trainer Francis Lui told South China Morning Post. “He can sit midfield and stay out of trouble. [Golden Sixty] is ready.”

On an afternoon where some HK$110 million is on offer, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup over the metric mile and a quarter is the day's richest at HK$34 million, not to mention the most interesting from a tactical standpoint. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is one of four in the race for Japan and landed the eight hole, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi assuring that the dead-heat winner of this year's G1 Dubai Turf will not be difficult to find.

“I don't care about the barrier draw because I know one thing–he will go to the front,” the colourful Yahagi, conditioner of last year's Cup heroine Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), told the Post.

You know the hat… it's Yoshito Yahagi! @netkeiba | #競馬 | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/F5SYwyiUwN

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

His compatriot Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), whose sire won both a Hong Kong Mile (2015) and Hong Kong Cup (2016), could make things at least a bit tricky, as he may be ridden for speed by Yutaka Take from his low draw in two. The once-beaten Hong Kong rising star Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and James McDonald leave from barrier seven in what is clearly his toughest task to date.

For obvious reasons, double-digit alleys are not preferred in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and gate 10 is not ideal for reigning champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), though trainer Richard Gibson was taking it in his stride.

“Wellington, I'm pretty relaxed. He'll be finishing off from that draw, and that's maybe his forte. We're short of options. I haven't even spoken to Ryan [Moore], but at first glance, that's what we'll be doing,” he told SCMP.

Ryan Moore, who subs for the injured Alexis Badel, won the 2020 Sprint from the riverside draw aboard Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). Conversely, the up-and-coming Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) saw his already-strong hand fortified when landing a cosy slot in three.

Half of the field of 10 signed on for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase has shipped in from Europe, led by recent GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Half of an Aidan O'Brien-trained duo, the 3-year-old breaks from the inside stall and he should find himself in a race that is often times run at a crawl. Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) carries Yutaka Take from gate six, while Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}, gate 7) and Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}, gate 6) and Godolphin's Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}, gate 5) have earned their right to tackle the race. Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) tries to make some history of his own as he goes for a third Vase in four years and second in a row and carries Joao Moreira from the four.

Great photo of Coolmore's “Broome”in Hong Kong ahead of the 2022 Hong Kong Vase @HKJC_Racing photo by @ashbrennanphoto pic.twitter.com/NDTMVx8uGj

— Tom Magnier (@TomMagnier) December 8, 2022

The post G60 Scores Four at Longines HKIR Barrier Draw appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Nailing yet another heart-stopping win under jockey Vincent Ho, Hong Kong's champion savored the 19th win of his career to set a new record in town, surpassing the previous mantle of 18 he shared with Silent Witness and Beauty Generation, dating back to when the professional era of Hong Kong racing commenced in 1971.

Smashing a fine field of 10 others from Japan, Ireland, and Hong Kong including this year's G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) winner Danon Kingly, Golden Sixty enhanced his earnings to a mouth-watering HK$95.453 million with victory, just HK$10.78 million shy of the record mark in Hong Kong set by Beauty Generation (HK$106.233 million).

Racing in the silks of Stanley Chan Ka-Leung and trained by Francis Lui, Golden Sixty – 'The Pride of Hong Kong' – delivered a performance worthy of status as the world's best miler.

“I feel very happy, he's my champion, and I have to say thank you to my team and Vincent (Ho) and the owner – they support me,” Lui said.

Extending his winning sequence to 16, Ho dropped the Medaglia d'Oro gelding back to the second half of the field on the fence; in the straight, Ho weaved for an out, eventually taking a split at the 300m mark before his sparkling dash carried him to a one and three-quarter length victory in a time of 1:33.86.

“I knew he was at his best, gate two was a little bit tricky, I didn't want to be stuck on the inside but eventually the race panned out well and the pace was genuine,” Ho said.

More Than This filled the second spot while Salios and Mother Earth grabbed third and fourth, respectively.

“It was much better today because the pace was on, he actually relaxed very well, and as a 6-year-old, he's more mature, so it's even better,” Ho said.

The success is the second at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races for both Francis Lui and Vincent Ho, while today's performance sees Golden Sixty remain unbeaten since September 2019.

“It's all about teamwork as well, without anyone from the stable we couldn't do this,” Ho said.

A six-year-old – Golden Sixty – boasts eight wins over 1200m and 1400m, while twice he has stepped up to 2000m successfully, claiming the 2020 BMW Hong Kong Derby and 2021 G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup.

“He's such an aggressive horse so he doesn't mind going through horses,” Ho said of the gelding's tenacity.

Sunday, Ho savored the win in front of an adoring crowd, which throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been absent at times or in a smaller capacity.

“Last year, it wasn't like this, I got to enjoy it with the crowd and it's such a great atmosphere, I just hope the other guys are ok, it's hard to enjoy it completely,” Ho said, also reflecting on the mishap that occurred earlier in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m).

Hong Kong racing continues this Wednesday, December 15, at Happy Valley.

The post Golden Sixty Becomes Hong Kong’s Winningest Horse With HK Mile Victory appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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For a horse like reigning Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), who likes to get back and then put his rivals to the sword with a devastating finish, the barrier draw is something of a non-issue. Having drawn seven last year en route to a facile success, his chances were done no harm whatsoever when owner Stanley Chan selected gate two for Sunday's G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.

“Barrier two is OK–we'll just relax him and wait for the straight, and then we can just let him go,” trainer Francis Lui told the HKJC's Declan Schuster. “He is all ready and we're hoping that luck will come to my team and my owner–and to me too.”

Barrier two for Golden Sixty! @LONGINES #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/5kAabEHd1q

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 9, 2021

Similarly, with the gates positioned towards the top of the Sha Tin straight for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and with a long run into the first turn, post positions–especially in a compact field–also become less relevant. Defending champion Mogul (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) will have no excuses from gate two, one to the outside of one of the likely pacesetters Reliable Team (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}), while G1 Coral Coronation Cup hero Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) begins outside that pair in stall three.

Japan's record-making Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) figure to be strong in the market for the day's richest event, the HK$30 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m). Having drawn four and three, respectively, neither should have much difficulty securing a trip that suits their running styles. The form of the G1 QIPCO Champion S. is represented by Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride of Dubai {Aus}, gate seven), beaten 3/4 of a length in back of Sealiway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) and 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) in third. The latter was assigned post position two, while local hope Panfield (Chi) (Lookin At Lucky) has pole position coming off a disappointing effort in the G2 Jockey Club Cup three weeks ago.

“It's a lovely draw, it gives you options and we're certainly very happy with it, there's a lot worse draws than that–I couldn't be happier,” trainer Tony Millard said of last year's G1 Champions & Chater Cup hero, also a multiple Group 1 winner in his native Chile. “He's been good since that last run, frankly speaking that last run, it was one of those races that you want to forget and we're just looking forward.”

Pixie Knight (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) could go favoured in a wide-open renewal of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and will break from post position eight to try to make it two in a row for Japan. Defending champion Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) doesn't appear to be in the same sort of form and will leave gate 10 after winning from the riverside draw in 14 last year. Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) has a chance to go a good race second-up, having finished seventh to Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint Nov. 21, but he will have to work out a trip of his own from stall 11.

“In the Sprint you want some draw assistance and we didn't get the draw assistance, but last year's winner was drawn 14 and if [Wellington] is good enough, that's where he comes from,” trainer Richard Gibson told the HKJC's Leo Schlink. “I think he's sharper than he was [last time] and he trialled really well the other day, so he's in good shape.”

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Wrangled back to last after leaving the widest berth in the field of seven, Golden Sixty, first-up since winning the G1 FWD Champions Mile in late April, fell into a good rhythm as Blake Shinn sent Southern Legend (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) through to lead through an opening 400 metres in :26.19 (standard :24.80), as Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) tracked from second. Positions were unchanged as Southern Legend took them into the final half-mile, having gone just :50.35 (standard :47.70) for the first 800, as Golden Sixty continued to race in a detached last.

The task at hand looked desperate midway on the turn, with the pace about to go in for the sprint home. But Vincent Ho, who always rides the gelding with supreme confidence, went for his mount in earnest at the top of the straight. He switched him to the grandstand side, was hand-ridden into the final furlong, went to Waikuku and fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) at the 150 and edged clear to win cosily. Golden Sixty covered his final half-mile in a wicked :43.20, with a final 400 metres in an equally spectacular :21.59.

Golden Sixty now owns a record-equalling 18 Hong Kong wins, joining Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) and the aforementioned Silent Witness.

“He definitely wasn't at his best today and we're still building him up,” the winning rider said. “After this race he should be pretty close to his top form. We'll see how he pulls up and do some recovery work on him and get him ready for the Internationals.”

Golden Sixty had heretofore been allowed to do only the necessary in his morning trials, but had won no fewer than three of those heading into this comeback run.

“Golden Sixty's morning trackwork has been quite impressive, he's more mature than last season,” commented victorious trainer Francis Lui. “I discussed it with Vincent and he seemed happy with the training and how he was behaving at trackwork.”

pic.twitter.com/CbIyq1idgY

— Vincent Ho (@Vincenthocy) November 21, 2021

Pedigree Notes:

Bred in Kentucky by Manganaro LLC, Gaudeamus was purchased by Newmarket International from the Lane's End consignment for $60,000 at the 2005 Keeneland September sale. Trained by Jim Bolger for his wife Jackie, Gaudeamus posted her most important victory in the 2006 G2 Debutante S. at Leopardstown. Bred to the late Pivotal (GB) to Southern Hemisphere time in 2007, Gaudeamus produced her first foal, a colt, for Bob and Rosemary Scarborough's Wood Nook Farm in the Australian winter of 2008.

Gaudeamus was purchased for A$160,000 by Josh Hutchins Bloodstock carrying the foal that would become Golden Sixty at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. The mare's first Australian foal of note was Igitur, who went on to be third in the 2017 Listed Tasmanian Derby, and a few months later, Gaudeamus was bought back on a bid of A$75,000 in foal to Choisir at the National Broodmare Sale. That offspring, Rainbow Connection (Aus), was runner-up in the 2021 G3 Hawkesbury Guineas, and the decision to retain the mare looks sufficiently wise in retrospect.

Gaudeamus's yearling filly by Capitalist (Aus) sold to All Winners Thoroughbreds for A$425,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale. Gaudeamus missed to Trapeze Artist (Aus) for 2020 and was bred to Wootton Bassett (GB) late last month. This is also the female family of champion Bosra Sham (Woodman), her champion full-brother Hector Protector and French Classic winner Shanghai (Procida).

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
BOCHK PRIVATE WEALTH JOCKEY CLUB MILE-G2, HK$4,750,000 (£453,485/€540,386/A$842,728/US$609,666), Sha Tin, 11-21, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:34.55, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 128, g, 6, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui K W; J-Vincent Ho C Y; HK$2,707,500. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. Middle Distance Horse, Ch. 4yo, Ch. Miler & MG1SW-HK, 19-18-0-0, HK$80,633,100. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus, $137,392; and Rainbow Connection (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}), GSP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Waikuku (Ire), 123, g, 6, Harbour Watch (Ire)–London Plane (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). (€33,000 Ylg '16 TISEP). O-Jocelyn Siu Yang Hin Ting; B-Shane Molan; T-John Size; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,045,000.
3–Sky Darci (NZ), 123, g, 5, Darci Brahma (NZ)–Strictly Maternal (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ). (NZ$160,000 Ylg '18 NZBJAN). O-Jessica Kwan Mun Hang; B-M W Freeman & D G Price; T-Caspar Fownes; J-Joao Moreira; HK$546,250.
Margins: 1, 1HF, 1. Odds: 15-100, 14-1, 9-1.
Also Ran: More Than This (GB), Southern Legend (Aus), Champion's Way (Aus), Preciousship (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Lucky Patch Train Rolls On In Jockey Club Sprint…

For the second straight time at group level, Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}), bet down in the late stages, claimed the scalps of some higher-profile sprinters, punching his ticket to the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint with a mild upset in Sunday's G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint.

Computer Patch (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) and favoured Courier Wonder (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) eyeballed one another early on, as the in-form Jerry Chau settled the outposted Lucky Patch, winner of the Oct. 17 G2 Premier Bowl H. when last seen, about midfield and racing mostly with cover through the opening 600 metres. Traveling with his head on his chest on the back of Premier Bowl runner-up Super Wealthy (Aus) (Epaulette {Aus}) around the turn, Lucky Patch went on the attack four off the inside in upper stretch, gathered up a wayward Courier Wonder with a half-furlong to race and held sway as the hulking Naboo Attack (Aus) (Warhead {Aus}) made belated progress down the centre. Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) boxed on for third. The comebacking Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), last year's G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize hero, raced near the back of the pack and came home seventh, beaten three lengths.

“It's my best win in Hong Kong,” said winning jockey Jerry Chau, who is a graduate of the HKJC Apprentice Jockeys' School like Vincent Ho. “We were lucky, they went fast early and I had a chance to get in and get cover. It's very exciting.”

Pedigree Notes:

Lucky Patch is one of three stakes winners, two at group level, for his sire, a son of Fastnet Rock (Aus) who stands at Westbury Stud in New Zealand. Gerry Harvey's Barramul Stud acquired Lucky Patch's dam in foal to Mossman (Aus) for A$50,000 at the 2011 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Gould is also the dam of Lucky Patch's 4-year-old full-sister Escudo (NZ), the 3-year-old filly Kattegat (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) and a yearling colt by the latter sire. She was bred back to El Roca.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
BOCHK PRIVATE BANKING JOCKEY CLUB SPRINT-G2, HK$4,750,000 (£453,485/€540,386/A$842,728/US$609,666), Sha Tin, 11-21, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:07.98, gd.
1–LUCKY PATCH (NZ), 123, g, 5, by El Roca (Aus)
1st Dam: Gould (Aus), by Danehill Dancer (Ire)
2nd Dam: Charming (Aus), by Sir Tristram (Ire)
3rd Dam: Captivation (Aus), by Vain (Aus)
(A$40,000 Ylg '18 MMJUN). O-Patch Syndicate; B-G Harvey; T-Francis Lui KW; J-Jerry Chau C L; HK$2,707,500. Lifetime Record: 17-7-3-3, HK$14,106,540. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Naboo Attack (Aus), 123, g, 5, Warhead (Aus)–Commanding Queen (Aus), by Commands (Aus). O-Cheung Yeuk Lee; B-Windemere Stud (Qld); T-David Hayes; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,045,000.
3–Sky Field (Aus), 123, g, 5, Deep Field (Aus)–Laravissante (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ). (NZ$175,000 Ylg '18 NZBJAN). O-Kwan Shiu Man, Jessica Kwan Mun Hang & Jeffrey Kwan Chun Ming; B-M Ryan (NSW); T-Caspar Fownes; J-Blake Shinn; HK$546,250.
Margins: 3/4, HF, 1. Odds: 9-2, 71-10, 29-5.
Also Ran: Computer Patch (Aus), Courier Wonder (NZ), Stronger (Aus), Wellington (Aus), Hot King Prawn (Aus), Super Wealthy (Aus), Amazing Star (NZ). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Reliable Team All The Way In Jockey Club Cup…

The hard-knocking Reliable Team (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) was given a positive ride by HKJC Apprentice Jockeys' School grad Derek Leung, got away with obscenely slow sectionals and, unsurprisingly, had enough in the tank to cause a 16-1 upset in Sunday's G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup.

The complexion of the 10-furlong lead-up into the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup changed markedly when presumed pace player Ka Ying Star (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) missed the kick, allowing Reliable Team to bowl along through a Standardbred-like :27.47, prompting HKJC commentator Mark McNamara to point out that “the Shing Mun river is flowing faster” than the Cup field going past the 1400-metre point. It was at about that stage that Matthew Chadwick allowed Ka Ying Star, trying the 10 furlongs of this as opposed to the Mile, to stride up to be a more forward factor as the 800 metres was posted in :53.95. Niggled along into the final half-mile–the six furlong split was a nearly unbelievable 1:19.17–ReliableTeam sprinted when asked and kicked on gamely to just hold a late lunge from Ka Ying Star. Favoured Glorious Dragon (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) raced near the tail and closed off well for third, while second choice Panfield (Chi) (Lookin At Lucky) weakened to last after sitting up on whatever pace there was, though was beaten just 2 1/2 lengths.

“We were always trying to get him to lead in the race and he got a bit lucky, there was no pressure on us to go too quick,” Leung said. “So, the horse was quite relaxed and he's very fit. Step by step, we build the speed up. He responded very well and I think we were very lucky.”

Pedigree Notes:

Bought back when reserved for NZ$50,000 at the 2017 NZB Select Yearling Sale, Reliable Team improved by leaps and bounds to fetch NZ$430,000 at that year's NZB Ready To Run Sale (under-tack breeze, see below), the same event that produced Golden Sixty (NZ$300,000). Reliable Team is the 18th black-type winner and 13th group winner for Reliable Man, a son of Dalakhani (Ire) who stands alongside Lucky Patch's sire at Westbury Stud.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
BOCHK  JOCKEY CLUB CUP-G2, HK$4,750,000 (£453,485/€540,386/A$842,728/US$609,666), Sha Tin, 11-21, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:03.86, gd.
1–RELIABLE TEAM (NZ), 123, g, 6, by Reliable Man (GB)
1st Dam: Stella Doro (NZ), by Faltaat
2nd Dam: Lady Joelyn (NZ), by Noble Bijou
3rd Dam: Princess Camille (NZ), by Skyhawk (GB)
1ST STAKES WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. (NZ$50,000 RNA Ylg '17 NZBFEB; NZ$430,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Nova Stella Syndicate; B-Tullycrine Ltd; T-Frankie Lor F C; J-Derek Leung K C; HK$2,707,500. Lifetime Record: 28-7-3-5, HK$12,765,800. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Ka Ying Star (GB), 123, g, 6, Cityscape (GB)–Casual Glance (GB), by Sinndar (Ire). O-Leung Shek Kong; B-Kingsclere Stud; T-Tony Cruz A S; J-Matthew Chadwick; HK$1,045,000.
3–Glorious Dragon (Ire), 123, g, 6, Teofilo (Ire)–Tipperary Honor (Fr), by Highest Honor (Fr). (€235,000 Ylg '16 ARQOCT). O-LWF Family Syndicate; B-Team Hogdala AB; T-Francis Lui K W; J-Zac Purton; HK$546,250.
Margins: NK, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 16-1, 28-5, 9-10.
Also Ran: Columbus County (NZ), Russian Emperor (Ire), Savvy Nine (Fr), Panfield (Chi). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

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