Jockey Vincent Ho was ever-present across a magical 31-start career, 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. 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,” Ho said.
“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 will host a Golden Sixty retirement ceremony at the Celebration Cup race meeting on 22 September at Sha Tin. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Owner Stanley Chan at the retirement ceremony to recognise Golden Sixty’s accomplishments.
Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, 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 has captured the hearts of Hong Kong people and his last win at the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races created a strong emotional reaction from our racing fans in celebrating their champion. When he accelerated leaving world-class opposition behind, the reception he received was an experience which many people including myself will never forget. He is a real Hong Kong hero.
“While his imperious career has come to an end, we are forever indebted to him and will always cherish his incredible accomplishments.”
Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “Golden Sixty bows out not only as a colossus of Hong Kong racing but also as a titan on the international racing stage. His record speaks for itself and his feats will remain forever etched in Hong Kong racing history.
“His performances provided the city with vital inspiration and pride during the COVID-19 pandemic and, from a personal point of view, I cannot recall a more commanding performance than his demolition of a world-class field in the 2023 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile last December – first-up as an eight-year-old.
“As popular as he was across his career, especially in victory, Hong Kong’s deep affection for its equine hero was laid bare last April with the ovation he received after his fourth placing in the FWD Champions Mile. That reception – after rare defeat – illustrated once again how Golden Sixty transcended sport.
“I congratulate Stanley, Francis, Vincent and the team on the management of their champion, and I wish Golden Sixty the very best in a richly deserved retirement.”
