Rivals and fans bonded in adoration for Golden Sixty

Leo Schlink

Throughout Golden Sixty’s storied career, Zac Purton and Karis Teetan were united in two facets as they searched for ways to foil the Hong Kong champion – the almost certain inevitability of defeat and unqualified admiration.

Of the five defeats Golden Sixty suffered in a glittering 31-start career, Purton was responsible for three - triumphing on Waikuku in the 2022 G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) when Golden Sixty was attempting to equal Silent Witness’ record of 17 consecutive wins, winning on California Spangle in the 2022 G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and finally, piloting Beauty Eternal to victory in the 2024 G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m).

The last of those three Purton victories doubled as Golden Sixty’s final race but, having consigned Francis Lui’s gelding into fourth place, nothing could dilute Purton’s appreciation of Hong Kong’s equine hero.

“He’s the best horse I’ve seen in my time here in Hong Kong,” Purton said. “He was the perfect racehorse, really.

“Firstly, it was heartbreaking, just to be behind the gates and in the races with him knowing that you’re basically going to run second. He was such a good horse. I loved his will to win, the way he pinned his ears back, the acceleration he showed – that turn of foot is very rare to see horses run home in the sectionals he would run home in, over the distances he ran.

“He became more versatile as his career progressed as well. He was able to be ridden more prominently on the speed. He’d go inside or outside.

“Our challenge was to always try and find a way to beat him and really at the end of the day, it was just circumstances and bad luck that beat him.

“I always love seeing horses of his calibre race and although it was difficult through those years to go up against him, it also made it challenging to try find a way to beat him. Fortunately, I did a few times, but not enough.”

Like Purton, Teetan has been associated with some of Hong Kong racing’s most decorated horses, none more so than Romantic Warrior, twice finishing on the losing side of the ledger in clashes aboard Danny Shum’s star with Golden Sixty – the 2023 Stewards’ Cup and the 2023 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, marking the only time Romantic Warrior has been beaten over 2000m in Hong Kong.

“Being in a race with him was just different. We all had to be aware of when he was coming and I remember him beating me when I was on Romantic Warrior, and that was not a nice feeling. I thought I had the race won and I just remember this massive head coming on my outside,” Teetan said.

“He was just a different horse and I think he’s going to be missed by many people in Hong Kong. He brought so many fans to the races - I don’t think we’ll see it again.”

Along with Lui, Vincent Ho, who rode Golden Sixty in all 31 starts, will be central to the nine-year-old’s farewell celebrations at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 September) and it is clear owner Mr Stanley Chan’s gelding has left an indelible mark on everyone associated with the horse.

“Of course (he was life changing). He helped me to build up my name and, actually, I would say he taught me how to train,” Lui said. “The horse helped us all to build up our names and he gave the team confidence about how to train.”

Ho, who piloted Golden Sixty to a Hong Kong record 10 Group 1s, said the earner of an unmatched HK$167.17 million was “a horse who taught me to be a better athlete and a better jockey. From him I’ve grown a lot, mentally as well.”

“From receiving all the pressure of riding in a Group 1 on a horse like him to enjoying myself in a Group 1 and winning, it’s another feeling. That’s what he taught me and gave us all,” Ho said.

“He is special because no matter what, he did his best all the time. Even if he wasn’t the fittest sometimes and not feeling his best, he still gave his all and made things happen.

“This is something everyone can learn from. Every time I rode him, I learned something new. I really appreciate what he has done for us.”

A farewell ceremony for Golden Sixty will be held at Sha Tin on Sunday (22 September) from 3.10pm. The three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year will be honoured by Hong Kong racing officials and patrons to mark his contribution to the city’s racing and his phenomenal achievements.

Racegoers who wear a top or a cheering scarf, featuring a motif of Golden Sixty or his racing silk elements, can enjoy free admission to the Sha Tin Public Enclosure from 11am.