Lim’s Kosciuszko Lands Third Lion City Cup

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.

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.

“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.