Lim’s Kosciuszko Lands Third Lion City Cup

Media Release - Monday July 29

King of Kranji Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) stole the show again in Singapore on Sunday, producing another scintillating performance to win the S$300,000 Lion City Cup (1200m) for the third time.

Lim’s Kosciuszko’s 27-start career has produced 21 wins, three seconds and S$3.3m in stakes. The Trelawney Stud-bred superstar was passed in at Karaka 2019 with a $75,000 reserve, then passed in again with a $60,000 reserve at the Ready to Run Sale. He has now banked the equivalent of NZ$4.17m.

Lim’s Kosciuszko has won three Lion City Cups - image Singapore Turf Club

Incredibly, Lim’s Kosciuszko is undefeated in 12 starts over 1200 metres at Kranji – 10 on turf and two on the Polytrack. That includes his Lion City Cup triumphs in 2022, 2023 and now 2024.

Rider Marc Lerner took up a perfect position on the outside of the leader through the early stages of Sunday’s big sprint, then allowed Lim’s Kosciuszko to cruise forward and take the lead coming around the home turn.

Lerner released the brakes at the top of the straight and Lim’s Kosciuszko charged clear, opening up a three-length advantage with 200 metres remaining. Golden Monkey (Star Turn) launched a strong finish from the back of the field and reduced the margin to a length and three-quarters, but Lim’s Kosciuszko was never in any danger of defeat.

“He was the best horse in the race, so I rode him accordingly,” Lerner said. “He’s getting older, but he still felt young and fresh.

“When he came out of the turn, he went for it. I was scared, because when he hits the front, he sort of thinks the job is done. I wanted to keep him at his job, but he just does it. It’s an easy job for him.

Advertisement

“He got the job done because I believe he’s not one or two, but many classes above the rest. And at weight-for-age, it’s just a pleasure to ride horses like him.”

The Daniel Meagher-trained Lim’s Kosciuszko is now a 10-time winner at black-type level.

“He’s done everything he possibly could and he’s just a little superstar,” Meagher said. “He has his little issues and needed to be kissed and cuddled, but come raceday, he just performs like no other. It’s very special to have him and I don’t know if I’ll ever get another one.”

Meagher will now aim Lim’s Kosciuszko at the Raffles Cup (1600m) on August 11, the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on September 7 and the grand finale for Singapore Racing, the last-ever running of the Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) on October 5.

Lim’s Kosciuszko’s remarkable career has been honoured with the title of Singapore’s Horse of the Year in 2022 and 2023, along with Champion Sprinter (twice), Champion 4YO, Champion Miler and Champion Stayer.

Vendor Trelawney Stud Ltd
Breeding Kermadec – Jacquetta
Sale Lot 109, Karaka 2019 Book 1, Psd (Res $75,000)Lot 1 2019 Ready to Run Sale, Psd (Res $60,000)
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Mrs C Taylor
Advertisment
More Reading...
New Star for Hellbent – Savvy Hallie Wins G2 Silver Shadow
Yarraman Park’s Hellbent has made his name with brilliant Group I winning mares Magic Time and Benedetta with exciting filly Savvy Hallie adding her name his list of stakes-winners with a stylish victory in the Group II ATC Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Second Stakes-winner for Palace Pier
Kingman’s champion son Palace Pier (GB) only shuttled for one season to Darley Australia with his first 2YO’s to race here this season and in Europe he’s doing a pretty good job with his second stakes-winner emerging overnight at York.
Jenni Lets Loose At The Valley
Smart staying mare Jennivamoose recorded her third victory at The Valley when winning the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) in similar fashion to her previous victory at the venue.
Wuddzz Caps Fine 24 Hours For Dwyer
Handy stayer Wuddzz came with a well-timed run under Tim Clark to land the Gold Coast Turf Club Trophy (2400m) at Randwick.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
€1.85million Sale-Topping Frankel Filly Now Triple G1 Oaks Winner for Coolmore
Already a winner of the Group I Epsom Oaks and Irish Oaks, expensive blueblood Frankel filly made it a treble of G1 Oaks races when landing the Group I Yorkshire Oaks (1m4f) overnight.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
Future Bright for Danica Guy
Group Three winner Lupo Solitario has returned to New Zealand, and the care of his former trainer Danica Guy, following a six-month racing stint in Hong Kong, while the stable are also excited about a first starter this weekend by Justify (USA).