Vincent Ho was beaming after partnering Hong Kong’s champion Golden Sixty at Tuesday morning’s (14 November) barrier trial session at Sha Tin.
Preparing for a return in next month’s HK$32 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m), Golden Sixty – an eight-year-old with 25 wins from 29 starts – dazzled with his customary late dash to cross the line first in his heat in 1m 10.57s over 1200m on dirt.
“He’s still very light on his legs, he doesn’t feel like an eight-year-old – he’s amazing. He still feels young, competitive and when I ask him to pick up there is no turbo lag, it’s an instant reaction – it’s so good,” Ho said.
Ho returns to competition following suspension on Wednesday night (15 November) at Happy Valley. The Francis Lui-trained Golden Sixty and Ho are aiming to win a third LONGINES Hong Kong Mile together following their triumphs in 2020 and 2021 on 10 December at the HK$118 million LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
However, this time they’ll try to do so first-up after what will be a 224-day break, with Lui opting against chasing a fourth straight HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) victory with his horse this Sunday (19 November).
“He felt good. I’m glad the horse that played up in the barriers didn’t affect us. He jumped well as usual, travelled nice and in the straight he gave me a good feel when I asked him to pick up – I’m happy with his progress,” Ho said.
Golden Sixty holds the record for the most Group 1 wins in Hong Kong (nine), he is also the city’s highest earner in history with HK$147.93 million banked, while last season he defeated Romantic Warrior – last month’s G1 W.S. Cox Plate (2040m) winner – twice in successive Group 1 races at Sha Tin over 1600m and 2000m.