By Basil Nolan - Queensland Thoroughbred Breeders Assoc.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Magic Millions Carnival, what a tremendous success!
The $10 million dollar Magic Millions Raceday was once again phenomenal. Every year I think it can’t get bigger but come the following year it does!
It was great to see the Queenslanders so well represented in the two feature events.
In the Star Gold Coast $2 Million 2YO Classic, Lyndhurst Stud's sensational first season sire, Better than Ready had an impressive four starters – The Odyssey, Betaima, Better Reflection and Girls Are Ready. Eureka Stud's Champion Sire, Spirit of Boom had Champagne Boom while Champagne Jet started for another former Queensland Champion Stallion, Jet Spur.
In the $2 Million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, Queensland-bred runners featured prominently not just in the race, but in the first four! Despite drawing a wide gate, Boomsara (by Spirit of Boom) managed to stave off the challengers to lead from barrier to box in an incredible performance. Another Spirit of Boom, Outback Barbie ran a close third, while Barefoot, who is by Glenlogan Park’s former Queensland Champion Stallion, Show a Heart ran fourth. What a terrific result for the Sunshine State.
The other race that always showcases the Queensland horses is the $1 Million Magic Millions QTIS Open. The brilliant win by Chapter and Verse was particularly emotional for me and my family, as we bred the Rothesay gelding and the trainer, Desleigh Forster, who we’ve had a long association with, purchased him from us last year. This was the biggest win of Desleigh’s career and although we don’t have a share in the horse, young Basil, James and I were trackside with her to cheer on the horse and celebrate. There was no doubt who the win was for and it really meant a lot to us.
Chapter and Verse beat Tokoriki Lad (by Falvelon) by three-quarters of a length with another length back to another Rothesay gelding, In His Stride.
Great results for Queensland studs
Queensland studs performed exceptionally well at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, bringing in top dollar for quality lots offered.
Beaudesert-based KBL Thoroughbreds was the leading Queensland Stud with their top seller a Zoustar colt that went for $1,075,000 to Yu Long Investments. KBL averaged $662,500 for their two lots.
Element Hill sold 13 yearlings for an average of $200,385 with their top seller an $800,000 Sebring colt purchased by China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Stonestreet.
And it was no surprise to see plenty of interest in Eureka Stud, who had an average of $171,333 on their 15 lots with their I Am Invincible x Tinto filly their top seller, knocked down to Godolphin for $500,000.
The Queensland Studs' results are available on the TBQA website.