Russian Emperor beat Golden Sixty in HK Gold Cup

Persistent rain and wet grass contested results in the February 20th group 1 doubles races at Sha Tin Racecourse as Sixty gold suffered a second defeat in a row after 16 consecutive wins and Waikukuhis final conqueror, also appeared briefly.

The disturbances underscore an overall bleak day as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions keep all but essential workers away from races.

czar emerged as the 1/4-length winner of the troublesome Citi Hong Kong (G1) Gold Cup, skipping over 2,000 meters (about 1/4 mile) of productive grass with a clear ride in when the Golden Sixty struggled with heavy riding and endured traffic problems.

Emperor of Russia, a 5-year-old child Galileo gelding, and Golden Sixty, by Medaglia d’Oro , racing together at the end of the field through the early seasons. Jockey Blake Shinn positioned the Russian Emperor outside of his opponent – a lucky spot as the Golden Sixty was forced to run wide open to avoid a horse in distress near the end of the roundabout.

WHAT. A TRIP!? 🤯

A master class from @blake_shinn saw the Russian Emperor take the lead home with a one of two for @DJWhyteTrainer in G1 @Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. 🏆 #HKracing pic.twitter.com/njX5IVrgo5

– HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 20, 2022

Russian Emperor, owned by Mike Cheung Shun Ching, completed the distance in 2 hours 04.11.

Douglas Whyte, Hong Kong’s all-time horse racing head with 1,813 wins, claimed his second win in his group 1 training. He also conditions Savvy Nine. Whyte gave a nod to the Gold Cup results but largely credits his horse.

“I’ve been riding here for 22-23 years and when the light rain comes in that’s when you notice the real difference on the track,” says Whyte.

“When there was that heavy rain, it ran right over the rails and drained. This light rain made all the difference and the Emperor of Russia was there to regulate it.”

Ho cites traffic problems for the Golden Sixty’s troubles.

“I had to pass one or two because of (Zac) Purton’s horse (More than this) backed off and I had no choice but to step out and the winner just had to be determined from within,” Ho said.

“Conditions, for sure, played an important role. He was still running well. It was a good effort,” added Ho.

The Gold Cup has problems from before the start to after the end. Columbus County scratched before the race on veterinary orders and Panfieldwho was mostly stopped for the period, has been flagged for further medical checks before allowing any future entries.

The sky of Darci, the reigning BMW Hong Kong Derby champion, was pulled up and diagnosed with a left ankle injury. His condition was not immediately reported.

Golden Sixty’s long winning streak came to an end on January 23 as he finished second behind Waikuku in the Hostess Cup (G1) and Waikuku was the favorite in Sunday’s first group 1 event, the Silver Cup. Queen (G1) at 1,400 meters (about seven feathers). He is also a victim of traffic.

In the middle of the stretch, horseback rider Purton found himself on the track behind his competitors and pinned by another and could only wait when Wellingtonwith a clear run, got ahead and kept going. Star Ka Ying also sailed clearly and came in second while Waikuku came in at third. The final time was 1:23.53.

Wellington, a 5 year old child It’s all too hard gelding, owned by Mr and Mrs Michael Cheng Wing On and Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong, claimed their second win in group 1, after the Presidents’ Sprint (G1) at the end of last season. Coach Richard Gibson said the horse will stick around Hong Kong to defend that title.