| Golden Sixty confirmed himself as Hong Kong’s champion and one of the best in the world with a record breaking win in today’s HK$26 million Longines International Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin today. |
In making it back to back wins in the rich feature, Golden Sixty also became the most successful racehorse ever in Hong Kong with a 19th win – surpassing three 18 time winners headlined by Silent Witness and Beauty Generation. Quite remarkably Golden Sixty has notched his 19 wins, 16 of which have come in an unbeaten stretch that dates back over two years, from just 20 lifetime starts. The Francis Lui prepared superstar settled around midfield from an inside barrier before getting a split under Vincent Ho in the straight and racing away for the easiest of wins. The Sha Tin crowd roared their approval as the local pin-up performer streaked clear in the most impressive style. “Gate two was a little bit tricky,” Ho said. “He doesn’t want to be stuck on the inside but eventually the race panned out good and the pace was genuine.” “He relaxes every well nowadays – he’s now six years old, he’s mentally a more mature horse – he’s even better,” Ho added. Trainer Francis Lui said he was proud Golden Sixty was able to break the all time win record for Hong Kong and he hoped he could break even more. “I feel very happy,” Lui said. “He’s my champion!” “I think the next (race) on the plan would be the Stewards Cup in January and after that we will discuss (the future).” The result provided another triumph to the Hutchins family who own and operate the leading Queensland thoroughbred nursery Element Hill. Element Hill bred and sold Golden Sixty for $120,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was purchased by Riversley Park in conjunction with Enigma Farm. General Manager of Element Hill Josh Hutchins purchased Golden Sixty’s dam Gaudeamus for $160,000 from the Wood Nook Farm at the 2015 National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. At the time of her purchase by Element Hill she was in foal to El Prado’s Group One winning and producing sire son Medaglia d’Oro – the resultant foal none other than Golden Sixty. At the 2021 Gold Coast Yearling Sale a Capitalist half sister to Golden Sixty sold to All Winners Thoroughbreds for $425,000. Golden Sixty is one of three stakes performers produced by the American bred, Irish Group Two winner Gaudeamus. A daughter of Distorted Humor, she’s also the dam of the stakes performers Rainbow Connection and Igitur as well as three other winners. Josh Hutchins from Element Hill recently revealed Golden Sixty has a baby three quarter sister by Golden Slipper winner Vancouver while Gaudeamus is now in foal to international sire sensation Wootton Bassett. Winner: Golden Sixty Breeding: Medaglia d’Oro-Gaudeamus (Distorted Humor) Race: HKJC Hong Kong International Mile G1 (1600m) Breeder: Asco International Pty Ltd Sold for: $120,000 Sale: 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Element Hill Buyer: Riversley Park/Enigma Farm Earnings: HK$95,453,100 (approx A$17 million) Owner: Stanley Chan Ka Leung Trainer: Francis Lui |
