Star Turn galloper Golden Monkey aims to go out in a blaze of glory when the Singapore Turf Club conducts its last meeting on Sunday, October 5.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons announced an ambitious final prep for last year’s Singapore Derby winner after the gelding’s half-length win in last Sunday’s Kranji Stakes (1200m).  The victory sent his career-card to 8 wins and 11 placings in 23 starts for earnings of AUD$1,054,885.

“Golden Monkey is going really well and he’s got a lot of things ahead of him,” Fitzsimmons said.  “He’s the only horse in my stable that makes me nervous because he means so much to me.  He never runs a bad race and always tries his best.”

Golden Monkey is raced by an Australian syndicate managed by Jig Bloodstock’s Josh McLoughlan and his dam Dixie’s Comet (Northern Meteor) was bred back to Star Turn last year by Bendaree Park’s Howard Blight.

He was sold by Blight for $54,000 through Byerley Stud (as agent) at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.  Starting out with Mornington trainer Clayton Douglas, he was placed at Sandown and Geelong before transferring off-shore.

Fitzsimmons said he will take aim at four domestic Group 1 events starting with the Lion City Cup (1200m) on July 28, Raffles Cup (1600m) on August 11, Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on September 7 and the Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) on October 5.

French jockey Ryan Curatolo has been aboard in recent outings, however, Chad Schofield will be back to ride Golden Monkey at his final four assignments at Kranji.  Singapore’s horse population numbers over 700 and Group 1 gallopers the calibre of Golden Monkey will have no problems being rehomed.

Star Turn has a 100% strike-rate in Singapore with 5 starters for 5 winners of 19 races.  He will stand at Vinery for $27,500 (inc GST) again this year with payment on a live foal.  For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.

This year’s Vinery Open Days are on Saturday 24 August and Sunday 25 August.  Gates open at 8:30am and the stallions start parading at 9am.  It is mandatory to register for this event so please contact McKoy on (02) 6543 8333  or  mckoy@vinery.com.au