HONG Kong’s two star horses, Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior, fought out another gripping finish to the Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin last Sunday, as victory in the second leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, went to Golden Sixty under Vincent Ho.

Golden Sixty handed Romantic Warrior his first defeat over the course and distance as he edged past his rival by a head.

Ho stalked the pace aboard Golden Sixty in fifth place before stoking Hong Kong’s champion up at the turn for home.

Karis Teetan on Romantic Warrior had kicked first to go two clear before Golden Sixty gradually reeled in his rival.

“He was very relaxed today, I even had to ask him a little to keep up today in the back straight and, of course, I had another great horse to follow through and ask for the full effort at the 200 (metre mark),” Ho reported.

Trainer Francis Lui declared the Hong Kong Triple Crown is under consideration, to emulate River Verdon who accomplished the feat in 1994.

The final leg is the Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup on May 28th.

Golden Sixty could contest the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy on April 9th before tackling either the Group 1 Champions Mile or Group 1 QEII Cup (April 30th).

The Group 1 Yasuda Kinen June 4th in Tokyo is also a possiblilty.

“To be honest, I expected the other horse would have beaten us but, of course, I just do my best on Golden Sixty without hurting him too much for the Champions Mile or if we go to Japan, so it’s going to take time for him to recover, aged seven now.

“He’s got a great heart and he’s always trying his best – or sometimes over his own limit – so I don’t want to overdo it,” Ho said.

This victory is the seven-year-old Golden Sixty’s eighth at the top-level with his all-time earnings at HK$136.53 million with 24 wins from 28 starts.