Golden Sixty extends winning streak to 12 with hard-fought Stewards' Cup success

Hong Kong star Golden Sixty secured a tremendous 12th successive victory in the first leg of the local Triple Crown, the Group 1 Stewards' Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Francis Lui-trained five-year-old was winning in top-level company for the second time, having struck in the Longines Hong Kong Mile at the same track last month.

His Stewards’ Cup success was by the shortest margin of his winning streak, as Vincent Ho, whose saddle slipped slightly in the final two furlongs, produced the 1-5 favourite with a late run to prevail by a head from Southern Legend.

The Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup – leg two of the Triple Crown – at Sha Tin on February 21 is the next assignment for Golden Sixty, who is now five wins away from equalling sprinter Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 consecutive triumphs.

Ho said: "They went pretty slow all the way, so he was a little keen, and then everyone sprinted for home. I knew I would still get there, but it was quite close.

“The saddle slipped back a little bit a furlong and a half out – it was still okay but not as comfortable for me and Golden Sixty as usual.

“But top athletes, top horses need to overcome all kinds of different circumstances. It was something you can’t predict, but you have to be ready for it.”

Hot King Prawn lands his first Group 1 win in the Centenary Sprint CupCredit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

Hot King Prawn landed a long-awaited first Group 1 win in the Centenary Sprint Cup.

The John Size-trained six-year-old, ridden by Joao Moreira, had finished in the first four at the top level on four occasions and secured a breakthrough victory by a length and three-quarters.

Size, who also enjoyed a one-two in the Classic Mile with Excellent Proposal and Lucky Express, said: “There was some frustration previously that he hadn’t won a Group 1 but in fairness he has run into some very smart horses in the last two or three years.

“You couldn’t have written the script any more perfectly and Joao did exactly what was expected and so did the horse. It was an easy win.”

Beauty Generation: farewell ceremony for the Hong Kong star at Sha Tin on SundayCredit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

The meeting also marked the end of an era for dual Hong Kong Horse of the Year Beauty Generation, who was paraded during a farewell ceremony. The eight-time Group 1 winner is heading to Australia for his retirement.

Beauty Generation: a quiet moment for the star on his final public appearance in Hong KongCredit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

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