In what might be a case of saving the best for last, superstar Karaka graduate Lim’s Kosciuszko(Kermadec) won the Gold Cup in 2023 and is back to defend his title in the final edition on Saturday.
The Lim’s Kosciuszko story began somewhat inauspiciously, with breeders Trelawney Stud passing him in with reserves of $75,000 and $60,000 at Karaka 2019 and the Ready to Run Sale respectively. But he has gone on to become one of the all-time greats of Singaporean racing.
Lim’s Kosciuszko has won 22 of his 29 starts and more than S$3.5m. He has won the 2000-metre Singapore Gold Cup and recorded three wins in the 1200-metre Lion City Cup, along with eight other black-type races in between those two distances.
Last year’s Gold Cup was his 17th win from 22 career starts, and he overcame a testing topweight of 58 kilograms as well as the extreme outside gate in a field of 16. But he dug deep and fought off the challenge of Dream Alliance (Into Mischief), who was carrying seven kilograms less, and scored an outstanding win in a rapid time of 2:00.67.
“That was amazing,” trainer Daniel Meagher said. “What can I say? I can train him to be fit, to be sound, to be happy, but I can’t train him to be tough.
“When it’s all said and done, that’s what won him the race today. He jumped from gate 16, carried the top weight and had every right to get beat in that final furlong. But he just toughed out the finish and that’s what makes champion horses.”
Brent Taylor of Trelawney Stud says "Lim's journey has been incredible this far."
"It will be an exciting day to see Lim's race up to Group 1 company again for the last time but really sad day for Dan and all the other participants of Singapore Racing."
Article first published NZB.co.nz