Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) reigned supreme at the Singapore Racing awards this week, crowned Champion Sprinter, Champion Four-Year-Old, and Horse of the Year.
Unbeaten at his first four runs in 2021, the Trelawney Stud-bred gelding picked up where he left off with another four consecutive wins in 2022.
He suffered three defeats before bouncing back with victory in the Singapore Derby (1800m), which cemented his new status as the Champion Four-Year-Old.
Barely a month later, Lim’s Kosciuszko showed his versatility by scooping up the Lion City Cup (1200m), that earned him the gong for the Champion Sprinter award.
Trainer Daniel Meagher was elated with the son of Kermadec’s achievement.
“I was hopeful before (the award ceremony), but to achieve what he has done, we are all very proud of him,” he said.
“He represented Singapore in Hong Kong, and even if it was disappointing then, the horse has improved and came back to win a Group 3 (Merlion Trophy) this year.
Lim’s Kosciuszko is ready to stamp his dominance at weight-for-age level in the S$300,000 Raffles Cup (1600m) on Saturday.
While confidence levels in the Lim’s Kosciuszko camp were generally high, Meagher was cautiously optimistic, with the main target further down the road.
“Sure he can win, but he’s not fully screwed down for this,” Meagher said.
“The Kranji Mile (on May 20) is his grand final, so we have to leave some in the tank.
“You can’t go to the well every time, so we really have to plan for peaks throughout the year.”
