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.”