‘He’s a monster’ – unstoppable Golden Sixty claims Hong Kong Mile

Golden Sixty confirmed his status as Hong Kong’s greatest with a performance that had to be seen to be believed in the Longines Hong Kong Mile. 

Watching him rocket home was a sight to behold and proved too much for owner Stanley Chan, who burst into tears as Sha Tin erupted. How he was beaten in the same race last year will forever be one of life’s unsolved mysteries but, on this day, he was untouchable. 

His one-and-half-length victory over Voyage Bubble was the 26th of his career and tenth at the highest level, both records in Hong Kong, while he is the highest-earning horse of all time anywhere in the world. 

Despite approaching his ninth birthday, the three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year has been handled expertly by trainer Francis Lui, who has taken the Henrietta Knight approach to training and produced Golden Sixty at his imperious best off a 224-day absence.

“He’s a monster and, when I asked him for his effort, he lengthened like I can’t believe,” said winning rider Vincent Ho. “His turn of foot is crazy and he’s very special.

“I was confident, even from gate 14 as long as I could get into the right position and everything went ideal. I visualised it like that and, when [last year’s winner] California Spangle wasn’t leading, I knew I had a massive chance and then he smoked them.

“A lot of people were saying the age of eight is a concern but, to be honest, I never, ever doubt him. We look after him and he’s just an amazing horse.”

Golden Sixty parades after winning the Hong Kong MileCredit: Edward Whitaker

Victory saw Golden Sixty become just the second horse to win three times at this fixture and, although it had previously been envisaged this would be his last international meeting, the manner of this success could potentially prolong his retirement beyond the Group 1 Stewards’ Cup in January and Group 1 FWD Champions Mile at the end of April, which had previously been earmarked as the last two races of his career. 

Ho added: “They’re talking about retiring the horse but, if he’s still performing like this and he loves his racing so much, is it the right thing to take away what he loves? As long as he’s healthy and competitive we’re happy.”

Lui says it will be the horse who tells him when the right time to stop is, but even if retirement is postponed, racing outside Hong Kong has never been and remains off the agenda.

“He’s my champion,” said a delighted Lui. “When he hit the front, I knew he’d win. Everyone loves this horse and they all want to see him win. He’s still enjoying his racing and I’ll let the horse tell me what to do, but I think there’s no point in taking him overseas. My job is to keep him happy and healthy.”  

William Buick got closer than most to the winner on third-placed Namur and the Godolphin man was in no doubt he was in the presence of greatness.  

“I couldn’t do anything else,” said Buick. “Vincent took a chance from stall 14, went forward and got in. My filly has run a super race. She’s not very big but she’s got plenty of guts and ability. 

“I followed the winner and thought, ‘I’m close enough, if I’m good’ but then he was gone. That’s the winner’s first run of the year and he’s eight. Fair play – it’s always nice to see a horse who is that good.”

Read more:

Junko flies home for French success in Hong Kong Vase 

Redemption for local star Lucky Sweynesse with victory in Hong Kong Sprint 

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