Golden Sixty, the celebrated Hong Kong racehorse, is gearing up for a significant challenge in the upcoming Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile. The eight-year-old, known for his impressive achievements on the track, faces a new hurdle as he has drawn the widest barrier (14) of his illustrious career. This position adds a layer of complexity to his first race since his last victory in the Group One Champions Mile in late April.
The barrier draw, which elicited a collective gasp from the audience during the event at the Sha Tin parade ring, places Golden Sixty in a less-than-ideal starting position for the race. Trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai acknowledged the challenge posed by the draw, noting that it would require strategic navigation by jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu. Lui expressed his hope for a midfield position with cover for Golden Sixty, anticipating a slower pace led by California Spangle.
Despite the disadvantageous draw, Golden Sixty remains a formidable contender. If he secures a win on Sunday, he will make history by winning the Hong Kong Mile off a 224-day break. Additionally, he would join an elite group of horses, including Beauty Flash and Catalan Opening, who have triumphed in the race from the same barrier. Golden Sixty is chasing a record-extending 10th Group One win, two of which have come in the Hong Kong Mile.
The barrier draw also favored other notable contenders. Reigning Hong Kong Mile champion California Spangle will start from gate three, while Group Two Jockey Club Mile winner Beauty Eternal, ridden by Zac Purton, secured barrier five. Japanese competitor Namur will join Golden Sixty in the outer gates, starting from barrier 12.
In the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), Lucky Sweynesse, another local superstar, drew a favorable gate five, offering a chance to redeem last year’s performance where heavy traffic hindered his run. Wellington, last year’s victor, will start from gate three under jockey Alexis Badel.
In the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), Romantic Warrior, fresh off his Cox Plate victory, will start from barrier seven, the same position from which he won last year’s race. However, the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) will see a notable absence, as Japanese stayer Shahryar is out due to health concerns.
As the racing community anticipates Sunday’s event, the focus remains on Golden Sixty and whether he can overcome the challenges posed by the widest barrier draw of his career in what is expected to be his final racing season.
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