In a bid for an unprecedented third win in the Group One Longines Hong Kong Mile, the celebrated racehorse Golden Sixty is set to encounter a full field, including formidable international competitors. This attempt, if successful, would make Golden Sixty the first horse to clinch three non-consecutive Hong Kong Mile titles, joining the ranks of the legendary Good Ba Ba, who won consecutively from 2007 to 2009.
Among the challengers, Golden Sixty will face off against an international contingent eager to dethrone the local hero. This includes five entrants from Japan, such as Danon The Kid, known for his second-place finish in last season’s Group One Hong Kong Cup. However, Danon The Kid might not be the biggest threat from Japan, as both Namur and Soul Rush have recently outperformed him in the Group One Mile Championship at Kyoto. With Group One victories under their belts, Namur and Serifos, along with Group Two winners Soul Rush and Divina, form a formidable Japanese challenge.
From Europe, France’s Tribalist, trained by the esteemed Andre Fabre and recent winner of the Listed Prix Tantieme, joins the fray alongside Ireland’s Cairo, trained by Aidan O’Brien and known for his strong showing in the Group One Irish 2,000 Guineas.
Singapore’s hopes rest on Lim’s Kosciuszko, a versatile performer with top-level domestic successes, looking to redeem himself after a disappointing run in the 2022 Hong Kong Sprint.
Golden Sixty, an eight-year-old veteran, leads the charge for Hong Kong, joined by last year’s champion California Spangle and other notable local contenders like Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Voyage Bubble, and Encountered. This formidable local lineup ensures a strong representation of Hong Kong’s racing prowess.
Golden Sixty’s quest for a third Hong Kong Mile title is not just a pursuit of personal glory but also a challenge to become the oldest winner in the race’s history, a title currently held by Able One, who triumphed at the age of nine in 2011. The anticipation builds as the HK$32 million race approaches on December 10, promising an exciting showdown of top-tier international and local talent in the world of horse racing.
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