Aussies share special Singapore success

5 min read
Singapore-based Australian trainer Daniel Meagher and jockey Danny Beasley joined forces for a special win with Lim’s Lightning (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the Lion City Cup at Kranji on Saturday.

Meagher is the youngest son of Australian Hall of Fame inductee John Meagher, who won the Melbourne Cup in 1985 with What A Nuisance (NZ) (St Puckle {GB}).

After learning the ropes from his legendary father, along with older brothers Paul and Chris, Meagher went out on his own and began his solo Singapore training career in 2016. He has racked up 176 victories at Kranji since then, and on Saturday he broke through for his first Singapore Group 1.

John Meagher (brown hat)

Ridden by Meagher’s close friend and former assistant trainer Beasley, Lim’s Lightning unleashed a brilliant finish from near the back of the field to win by 0.75l.

It was an emotional moment for Meagher, whose famous father has battled ill health in recent times.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” he told the Singapore Turf Club. “It’s very special for Mr Lim (Siah Mong, owner) and Danny, but also for my whole staff, Sabrina (wife) and my two kids and my father.

“Danny asked me how I was in the parade ring, and I told him I was very confident. The horse looked terrific in the yard, and all Danny had to do was keep him happy, keep him flowing. He was caught wider than I would have liked, but he was not pulling, and he was super to the line.

“I’m just rapt for the stable and everybody back home. It hasn’t sunk in – I’ve just won my first Group 1!

“I’m just rapt for the stable and everybody back home. It hasn’t sunk in – I’ve just won my first Group 1!" - Daniel Meagher

“Mr Lim has not only been a wonderful supporter, but also a good friend in the last 20 years. He puts a lot of faith in me and my staff.”

It was also an extraordinary result for Beasley, who was a multiple Group 1-winning jockey in Australia including the 2003 Golden Slipper with Polar Success (Success Express {USA}).

The 45-year-old has only recently resumed his riding career after early retirement, having spent the last few years as an assistant at Meagher’s stable.

“I can’t begin to say how much this win means to me,” he said. “Two months ago, I was an assistant trainer to Dan, mucking out boxes and leading out horses.

“I can’t begin to say how much this win means to me. Two months ago, I was an assistant trainer to Dan, mucking out boxes and leading out horses.” - Danny Beasley

“I can’t thank the Singapore Turf Club enough. They were doing it tough when the pandemic hit last year, and I told myself I was not doing my part to help them.

“The Singapore Turf Club has been good to me, and I had to give back to them. A big thank you to them for giving me my licence, and also to Mr Lim.

“The Lion City Cup with Lim’s Cruiser was the last Group 1 race I won before I left, but now I’ve won this one for my best mate Dan, and for Chris back in Melbourne.

“This one takes the cake, especially given the current circumstances in Singapore. That’s why we wake up every morning – to try and win Group 1 races with these horses.

“But this win is also very special because of John. As you may know, he’s not been in the best of health, but he would call Dan every day to ask about Lim’s Lightning. He’d be beside himself now.

“The horse himself took a little while to get back as he was a little keen initially, but he quickly had his head back on his chest.

“At the 300 metres, I thought I had a bit of work to do as he still spotted the leaders around 4l, but he was rattling, he was flying.

“I’ve ridden this horse in countless barrier trials, it was my first time riding him in a race, but he’s been building up with each run and he was simply phenomenal today.”

Mick Dittman, Daniel Meagher and Danny Beasley

Rejuvenation for former star 2-year-old

Lim’s Lightning is by Lope De Vega (Ire) out of Wayne’s Gold (Golden Snake {USA}), who won four races and placed in the G2 Sunline S. at Moonee Valley.

Lim’s Lightning was bred by Lynn Tipper and is a grandson of her remarkable mare Whiff (Lunchtime {GB}), who is the dam of 13 winners from 15 foals to race.

As well as Wayne’s Gold, Whiff is also the dam of another black-type placegetter in Wiggly Woo (Polish Patriot {USA}), while her granddaughter Vipera Gold (Golden Snake {USA}) won the Listed Nudgee H.

Lim’s Lightning was a $50,000 purchase at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YO in Training Sale.

Lim's Lightning as a yearling

He has now had 20 starts for seven wins and three placings, having originally risen to prominence as Singapore’s Champion 2YO in 2018, winning the Golden Horseshoe. His second black-type victory has now followed three years later, having placed in the Singapore Guineas and Saas Fee S. in-between times.

Lion City Cup
Daniel Meagher
John Meagher
Danny Beasley
Lim's Lightning