First interstate galloper confirmed for King of the Mountain

By Jordan Gerrans

Toowoomba businessman Harvey Black will break new ground in the 2025 King of the Mountain after selecting a Victorian-owned galloper for his slot.

In the first two editions of the KOTM, the race was restricted to Queensland-bred and trained horses, with only locally-based hoops riding.

The reimagined race is now open to all horses aged three and older, with trainers and jockeys from across the nation now eligible to take their place.

With Queensland gallopers Cifrado, Rockribbed and King Kapa confirmed for the event earlier this week, Millane becomes the fourth horse locked in for the 2025 KOTM as well as being the first with interstate connections.

Prepared by Tony Gollan in Brisbane, Millane is raced by the Victorian Rosemont Stud, which is headed by Anthony Mithen.

Long-time Darling Downs owner Black purchased his slot at the King of the Mountain launch and slot auction in February.

Millane has been placed in Class 6 company in his two starts this preparation and Black thinks the five-year-old son of Zoustar will be competitive around Clifford Park on March 28.

Millane has an excellent record when the rain comes and Black is hopeful Clifford Park is wet come March 28.

The galloper has won three times on the soft and been placed twice from six attempts as well as one victory on a heavy surface.  

“He ran second the other day in Brisbane and Gollan came to me about it,” Black said.

“I just thought, if it rains it might be good as the horse likes the wet a bit.

“Hopefully we get a bit of rain before the race. We are in there now and I reckon we are in for a show.”

Millane is a black-type winner earlier in his career in Victoria and has raced in Group company throughout his 26 starts.

Millane is also the third horse prepared by the Gollan barn that has been secured to run in a slot for the 2025 KOTM, which will be run for $750,000.

Black is a part-owner in fellow Gollan galloper All That Pizzazz.

All That Pizzazz finished fifth in last year’s event as he was beaten by just over two lengths to champion Rothfire.

The plan was for the son of Spirit Of Boom to ease into Black’s slot for this year’s race before the decision was made to spell the five-year-old after he was well beaten by King Kapa last month.

In doing the deal with Rosemont Stud, Millane will wear Black’s gold, red vee yoke, sleeves and cap colours around Clifford Park later this month.

“We were all set to go with All That Pizzazz but Tony wanted to give him a spell after his last run where he ran eighth,” Black said.

“That was why we bought the slot, to get him in.

“But, we quickly did the deal with Tony and the owners of Millane.”

Lyndhurst Stud and Black shared a slot in the inaugural KOTM with Northern Express representing the team.

Northern Express finished sixth behind Yellow Brick.

“We are thrilled to be back in the race - this event is not just about competition; it’s about community spirit, tradition, and supporting the ongoing growth of Toowoomba racing," Black said.

“I like racing and being a part of it all.”