Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) summited the peak of Singapore racing on Sunday when taking out the S$400,000 Singapore Derby (1800m) at Kranji Racecourse.
The Trelawney Stud-bred four-year-old had to fight hard to hold off a fast-finishing Relentless to win by a head, with a further neck back to Super Impact in third.
“Danny (Beasley) rode him beautifully,” trainer Daniel Meagher said.
“We’ve been trying to get him to settle in his trackwork, it’s been a bit difficult but teamwork makes the dream come true, it’s fantastic.
“It’s a very important win, I feel very privileged.”
Meagher said Lim’s Kosciuszko is a quirky horse and he was over the moon to get the victory over a distance he believes is further than the gelding’s best.
“This horse is not easy, he’s got a few little issues, but it shows you good teamwork always pays off,” he said.
“It is an amazing thrill – he’s a dead-set 1200m to 1400m horse and we won a Derby with him.
“We needed everything to go right from the perfect ride to me getting it right with his training, even his feet had issues, so Gary (Morley) the farrier did a huge job.
“We worked him together – Dan and I – and while we get it right more times than not, there was a lot of pressure knowing it wasn’t his best distance.”
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Lim’s Kosciuszko was initially trained in New Zealand by Clayton Chipperfield for whom he won his sole trial over 825m at Te Teko.
He was subsequently purchased by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo and he has gone on to win nine and place in two of his 12 starts in Singapore, and has earnt nearly S$600,000 in prizemoney.
