Hong Kong Champion Golden Sixty Retires

[Wandering Eyes]

Hong Kong champion Golden Sixty (Aus), who accumulated world record earnings for a racehorse of HK$167.17 million (€19.3 million) during his long and illustrious career, has been retired from racing, owner Stanley Chan announced on Friday.

Speaking at trainer Francis Lui's Sha Tin stable, Chan said, “Golden Sixty has been more than just a racehorse to me and my family; he has been a companion, a friend, and a true champion. Watching him compete has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of his journey–his dedicated team, the fans and, most importantly, Golden Sixty himself for giving us unforgettable moments.”

Three-time Horse of the Year Golden Sixty carried the familiar white, blue and gold silks of his owner throughout his 31-race career. His record of 26 wins is unequalled in Hong Kong, with his high-profile victories including three runnings of the G1 Hong Kong Mile–in 2020, 2021 and 2023–emulating Good Ba Ba (Lear Fan) as the race's only three-time winners.

The son of Medaglia d'Oro is also out on his own having won three consecutive renewals of the G1 Champions Mile between 2021 and 2023, while the Stewards' Cup and Hong Kong Gold Cup are the other Group 1 events to appear on his remarkable CV, having won both races on two occasions, in 2021 and 2023.

As well as being crowned Horse of The Year in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23, Golden Sixty's other accolades include Most Popular Horse of the Year (2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23), Champion Miler (2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23), Champion Four-Year-Old (2019/20) and Champion Middle-Distance Horse (2020/21).

Reflecting on Golden Sixty's career, Lui said, “It has been an honour to train such an extraordinary horse. Golden Sixty has brought immense pride to our stable and to Hong Kong racing. His fighting heart is unmatched.

“I will always cherish the memories we created. Thank you, Golden Sixty.”

Jockey Vincent Ho partnered Golden Sixty in every one of his 31 races, starting in 2019 as an unraced three-year-old before concluding in 2024 as a decorated nine-year-old.

“It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride such an amazing horse,” said Ho. “He is not just a phenomenal athlete but also a horse with a big heart. I want to thank him for trusting me on the track and for all the incredible experiences we shared.

“Over the years, I have tried to enjoy every moment when riding him, no matter during races or trackwork. He will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will host a retirement ceremony for Golden Sixty at the Celebration Cup race meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday, September 22. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Chan at the retirement ceremony to recognise Golden Sixty's accomplishments.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the HKJC, said, “Golden Sixty is one of the all-time greats in the history of Hong Kong racing. His exceptional ability to accelerate and dominate against not only the best of Hong Kong but also a string of world-class international contenders makes him a horse of a lifetime.

“I congratulate Stanley, Francis and Vincent on their fantastic management of an extraordinary equine athlete. Through their efforts, and Golden Sixty's sheer talent and will to win, Hong Kong has been privileged to watch this amazing horse throughout a glorious career which has brought immense joy to the city and also to his fans around the world.”

Golden Sixty will head to Australia initially before retiring permanently at Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Japan.

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