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...
Amelia’s Jewel Family Produces Wootton Bassett 2YO SW
Wootton Bassett (GB) added yet another new two year old stakes-winner to his tally overnight in Ireland with the Group III Silver Flash Stakes (7 ½ f) at Leopardstown going to a filly that is closely related to Aussie Group I winner Amelia’s Jewel.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 24
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Winning Hat-Trick for Gold Standard 2YO
When an unheralded sire produces a Group I winner in their first crop as happened for Sebring stallion Gold Standard it can take a long time for the benefit of that early splash to take effect, but in his case the wait is nearly over and in the meantime Destiny’s Summit is a good reminder as to his merit.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Season Finale Flourish for So You Think
Coolmore stalwart So You Think is powering to the end of the Australian racing season with a six winner flurry on Saturday highlighted by a winning treble at Randwick led by his progressive mare Oh Diamond Lil.
Farnan Draws Level with Ole Kirk on 13 Winners
There’s a good battle going to decide the leading first season sire by Australian winners and with just seven days of the season to run Farnan is laying down the gauntlet to the long time division leader Ole Kirk.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.
New Zealand Makes Presence Felt in Hong Kong’s 2024-25 Season
From a freakish sprinter with a (NZ) suffix to an exciting group of up-and-comers sourced from the Karaka sale ring, New Zealand’s influence was strongly felt on Hong Kong racetracks during the 2024-25 season.