Hokkaido’s Northern Horse Park will host the world’s highest-earning racehorse of all time, Golden Sixty, in his retirement, owner Stanley Chan confirmed in an emotional press conference at Sha Tin on Friday.
Northern Horse Park is an equine theme park which allows visitors to experience a range of horse-related activities. More than 80 horses live at the complex, with Thoroughbreds one of 12 breeds currently housed on site.
It is about 10 kilometres north-west of Shadai Stallion Station and Northern Farm, where so many of the world’s best racehorses retire for a breeding career.
As a gelding, breeding was never an option for Golden Sixty but the pastures of Hokkaido proved alluring for Chan – as well as trainer Francis Lui and jockey Vincent Ho – for a range of reasons.
“Francis, Vincent and I visited Japan and visited the farms there,” Chan said. “I think they have a very good environment there and I think it’s suitable for Golden Sixty. It’s also convenient for us to be able to go and visit him, because it’s quite close.”
Among the thoroughbred stars at the park is Wind In Her Hair, the 33-year-old G1 winner best known as the dam of Deep Impact. She relocated from nearby Northern Farm after her final foal, L’Esperance, was born in 2012.
Before Golden Sixty heads to Japan, he will first return to his country of origin. He will depart Hong Kong for Australia next month, spending time at Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley before flying to Sapporo.
