Golden Sixty overhauled Romantic Warrior in the shadow of the wire to claim victory in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday, 26 February.
The Medaglia d’Oro gelding, who also captured the 2021 edition, handed rival Romantic Warrior his first defeat over the course and distance when getting up in the final strides to win by a head.
Breaking cleanly from the gate, Golden Sixty was settled into fifth by regular partner Vincent Ho as Money Catcher and Ka Ying Star went to the lead. Romantic Warrior raced in between those two in third, as Golden Sixty waited to make his move.
That move came on the turn, as jockey Ho asked his mount for more and the response was immediate, as Golden Sixty rocketed down the center of the course, reeling in Romantic Warrior in the final strides for the win.
The Gold Cup victory was Golden Sixty’s eighth Group 1 win and increased his earnings to HK$136.53 million. The two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year has won 24 of 28 career starts.
Golden Sixty was bred in Australia and is out of Gaudeamus, an Irish Group 2 winner by Distorted Humor. Golden Sixty is one of the mare’s six winners from her eight foals to race.
Medaglia d’Oro has sired 89 Group/Graded winners including 26 that have won at G1 level. They include some of the most recognizable names in racing, such as Rachel Alexandra, Songbird and Talismanic.
He is standing the 2023 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $100,000, stands and nurses.
