Golden Sixty will bypass the 2024 G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin on 21 January after the champion miler presented with a minor leg issue on Wednesday (27 December).
Trainer Francis Lui said the record-breaking Golden Sixty – brilliant last-start winner of the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on 10 December – would be restricted to trotting exercises over the next three to four weeks, ruling out a bid at a record-extending 11th international Group 1.
“We found, the day before yesterday (Wednesday) in the morning, a little bit of filling and a little bit of heat (in his front left leg). The vets did a check, a scan and an MRI – there’s nothing serious, but they sent a report to England,” Lui said.
“It’s very slight but, of course, for the safety side, we don’t want to push him because the race is only three weeks’ time.
“The vets said we can give him light trotting for three or four weeks and progressively we can check on him. The issue is just inside the pastern on his front left leg.”
Winner of the Stewards’ Cup in 2021 and 2023, Golden Sixty was beaten in the 2022 edition by Waikuku when attempting to match Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of 17 successive victories.
Hong Kong’s champion, Golden Sixty has won 10 Group 1s, 26 of 30 starts and a record HK$165.85 million in earnings.
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Monday (1 January) for the New Year’s Day meeting and the running of the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m).
– News from Hong Kong Jockey Club
