Golden Sixty’s winning streak comes to an end as Waikuku shocks superstar in Stewards’ Cup
- Hong Kong racing’s poster boy fails to match record run of Silent Witness, suffering his first defeat since July 2019
All good things must come to an end and Golden Sixty’s 16-race winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt by Waikuku in the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Hong Kong racing’s poster boy broke well from the stalls but raced with his mouth wide throughout and had plenty to do turning for home under Vincent Ho Chak-Yiu as he attempted to equal sprint sensation Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 straight victories.
Despite running on strongly late, Golden Sixty’s customary fast finish failed to reel in giant-killer Waikuku, who landed his second Stewards’ Cup after beating Beauty Generation in 2020.
Trainer Francis Lui Kin-wai reported no-post race issues with Golden Sixty but felt the pedestrian early tempo, and barrier one, conspired against his chances.
“The horse is OK. He appears to have pulled up well,” Lui said. “It was just the draw. The way the race was run he needed to be closer but, from the inside, it wasn’t possible today.”
Waikuku’s jockey Zac Purton, who collected the Group One contest for the third time, agreed with Lui and felt the way the race panned out played perfectly to his mount’s strengths while contributing to Golden Sixty’s defeat.
“Golden Sixty has had to fight hard to get past him a couple of times and I thought with the way the race was run and the position we were in, I thought ‘he’ll have to try to run me down again’,” Purton said.
“I was in a lovely rhythm and I knew he was going to give me a good kick but with Golden Sixty in the race, you’re never home until you’re past the post.
“He’s run many horses down in the last few years, he’s a champ and obviously the race wasn’t run to suit him. Waikuku is a good horse on his day and he’s shown that.”
Waikuku’s trainer John Size was thrilled to pick up his seventh Stewards’ Cup and was full of praise for his stable star.
“It’s always nice to win the Stewards’ Cup and no Group One race is easy. [Waikuku] has trained very well since the beginning of the season, he’s done everything correctly and he hasn’t had a moment’s problem,” Size said.
“He’s kept on improving as every month has passed. It was an easy watch, he was on the leader’s quarters like trackwork. It looked good in the run and I was comfortable how it was unfolding.”
Group One milestone as Waikuku gives John Size his 1,300th winner
As for future targets, the trainer is happy to be guided by Waikuku.
“He’s a little seasonal as you’ll be aware when you look through his form,” Size said.
“In April, he seems to give up racing and go on holiday for the summer, so I’m not sure what he’s going to do now. He’s a bit older so we’ll wait and see but if he gives an indication that he wants to go to the races, we certainly will.
“Longevity has been his strong suit and he’s lasted all the way through. He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Golden Sixty’s trainer Lui suggested that he will choose between the Group One Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2,000m) or the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m), both on February 20, for his star’s next appearance on the racecourse.
