Lim’s Kosciuszko wins Lion City Cup

[Wandering Eyes]

Talented sprinter Lim’s Kosciuszko scored back-to-back stakes wins when landing the S$300,000 Lion City Cup (Sing G1) (1200m) at Kranji on Sunday after a thrilling win in the Singapore Derby (1800m) last month.

With stablemate and likely race favourite Lim’s Lightning scratched at the start of the feature race, the Trelawney Stud-bred Lim’s Kosciuszko jumped as favourite and the punters were on the money.

After pinging the gates from barrier seven, Lim’s Kosciuszko (Wong Chin Chuen) settled nicely just off the tempo in fifth with cover.

Upon turning for home, Wong peeled the five-year-old Kiwi import off the heels of the tiring Fame Star and only the strong-kicking King Arthur proved any opposition as Lim’s Kosciuszko went on to score by just under a length.

It was Lim’s Kosciuszko’s moment and his winning trainer Daniel Meagher was naturally in awe of what the Kermadec gelding has achieved in such a short time.

“He’s very special,” an emotional Daniel Meagher said.

“I’ve got a lot of people to thank. (Owner) Mr Lim (Siah Mong), (racing manager of Lim’s Stable) Mick (Dittman), and most importantly, the staff, as well as a really special mention for (jockey) Danny Beasley.

“He’s (Beasley) a massive part of this and I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.

“We work together and it’s disappointing he couldn’t ride because Lim’s Lightning was scratched but CC (Chin Chuen) has done a great job and I’m so rapt for Mr Lim and all the staff.”

It was no mean feat by horse and trainer, dropping back from the 1800m of the Derby less than a month ago to the 1200m sprint.

“He was very fit coming back from 1800m and we had a good talk and thought why don’t we just go there (Lion City Cup). Danny Beasley got off him in the trial, just a soft one and said ‘he’s flying’,” Meagher said.

“He’s a very good horse – no one can pot him now – he’s done us proud, he’s done Singapore proud and we all should be really happy.”

With his tenth win and two placings in 13 starts, Lim’s Kosciuszko has brought his massive earnings close to S$750,000 for connections.

Bred by Trelawney Stud, Lim’s Kosciuszko was passed in as a two-year-old at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale and then sold privately after winning his first and only trial in New Zealand when under the care of Clayton Chipperfield.

He won a trial over 825m at Te Teko and caught the eye of bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo.

Lim’s Kosciuszko is the first foal out of Keeper mare Jacquetta, winner of the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m), as well as a Group Two placegetter.

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