Golden Sixty Sensational in Hong Kong Derby

Karaka graduate Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro) scored a historic victory in Sunday’s HK$20 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin.

Bought for $300,000 at the 2017 Ready to Run Sale, the Francis Lui-trained superstar became only the second horse to complete a clean sweep of Hong Kong’s Four-Year-Old Classic Series – the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), and the Hong Kong Derby.

He also became the third consecutive Karaka graduate to win the Hong Kong Derby, joining Ping Hai Star (NZ) (Nom du Jeu) in 2018 and Furore (NZ) (Pierro) last year.

Ridden by Vincent Ho, Golden Sixty dropped well back in the early stages of the race and had only one runner behind him at the top of the home straight.

But he produced a sensational finishing burst down the centre of the track, reeling in the runaway leader Playa Del Puente (Elzaam) and grabbing him in the final strides to win by a neck.

“It’s difficult to come from behind and sprint home like that,” Ho said. “He is a superstar for sure.

“I wasn’t too worried (when Playa Del Puente was so far in front). I know he can produce a really good turn of foot, and he relaxed well during the race. He’s got the best turn of foot in the race, and I just had to be patient.”

Golden Sixty has now had 11 starts for 10 wins and HK$30 million in prize-money, which is more than NZ$6.7 million – 22 times his purchase price.