Lim’s Kosciuszko Captures Queen Elizabeth II Cup

As Singaporean racing moves into its final few weeks, local champion Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) continued his Kranji farewell tour with another crowd-pleasing performance in Saturday’s S$300,000 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m).

Passed in at Karaka 2019 and the Ready to Run Sale with reserves of $75,000 and $60,000 respectively, the remarkable galloper has won 22 of his 29 starts and more than S$3.5m in prize-money.

A big crowd packed into Kranji to see one of the all-time greats of the Singapore turf on Saturday, and Lim’s Kosciuszko did not disappoint. Rider Marc Lerner gave the seven-year-old a comfortable run in third, handily placed in behind the front-running Mr Black Back (Snitzel) and Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress).

Challengers fanned across the track to make their bids in the home straight, and Lim’s Kosciuszko’s champion qualities came to the fore as he pulled ahead to win by a length.

“He’s a champion,” Lerner said. “He just picked up. I was a bit scared because when he gets in front, he knows the job is done and tends to relax, so I had to keep him to his work. He’s just getting a bit older and doesn’t win as easily as before, but he gets the job done.”

Daniel Meagher trains Lim’s Kosciuszko and the third-placed Lim’s Saltoro for prominent owner Mr Lim Siah Mong.

“I’m proud of him (Lim’s Kosciuszko),” Meagher said. “He’s a great horse and Singapore should be getting around him as it’s our last year.

“He just does what he has to do these days. He’s getting a bit older and not winning as dominantly, but that’s win number 22.

“A great ride by Marc. He was very patient, neither hurt him to the line nor gave him a gut-busting run, which was great.”

Meagher will now give Lim’s Kosciusko the chance to bring the curtain down on Singapore racing in fitting style in next month’s Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m).

“It’s not going to be easy for Kosi, as he would probably carry 58.5 kilograms or something like that,” Meagher said. “But he’s won it before (in 2023) with a lot against him.”

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.