Thrills of galloping hooves, audience chants, and the pumped-up adrenalin rush–these are the aspects that have attracted fans to the races for ages. Horse racing has seen some amazing events this month as outstanding players left their mark on the pages of history. These champions gave high-octane performances in the heart of the racing circuit and made it clear that they were the best.

From the iconic Hong Kong International Races, where local hero GOLDEN SIXTY dazzled the crowds, to the breathtaking dive of DOM TO SHOOT in Australia’s Northerly race, this month saw moments that marked excellence and forged new chapters in the illustrious saga of horse racing. The glorious wins by horses are primarily the contributing factors of many aspects at play, ensconcing a place in our minds’ crevices.

Golden Sixty and Dom To Shoot resoundingly gallop

Golden Sixty emerged as the star of the Hong Kong International Races by securing an unprecedented third win in the Group One Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin. Ridden by Vincent Ho Chak-Yiu after a break since April, the eight-year-old showcased remarkable acceleration, leaving his competitors behind and solidifying his status as a ten-time Group One winner.

Winning the Northerly Stakes at Ascot, Dom To Shoot, owned and bred by Waly Daly, clinched a thrilling victory in a three-way finish, evoking poignant memories of his late brother, trainer George. The emotional win marked the first Group 1 triumph for father-son trainers Sean and Jake Casey. Ridden by Jarrad Noske, the six-year-old gelding surged past Zaaki and Zipaway in a nail-biting finish. Sean Casey, fighting back tears, praised Noske’s winning ride, admitting he never expected this triumph. Daly, known for his success with sprinter Vega Magic, credited industry figures for their guidance, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the victory.

Horse racing feats

Ascoli Piceno claimed the coveted title of undefeated Champion Two-year-old Filly after securing her third consecutive victory in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies under the guidance of jockey Hiroshi Kitamura. This win marked Kitamura’s fourth G1 title and his first since his triumph with Kitasan Black in the G1 Kikuka Sho back in 2015. Expressing his elation, Kitamura mentioned, “It’s been a while since my last G1 win, but this year I felt in top form.”

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Desert Lightning emerged victorious in the tumultuous $400,000 TAB Classic at Trentham following a false start fiasco that dimmed the event. The Group 1 race initially encountered a false start due to malfunctioning supplementary gates, leaving three horses trapped while others raced up to 600m before halting. Upon the race’s restart, the unaffected trio finished first, second, and fourth, with Desert Lightning clinching the win. This incident prompted a nationwide halt on supplementary gates’ use, as announced by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing CEO Bruce Sharrock, who also revealed plans for permanent gates at major North Island tracks.

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