Werther Caps Magic Weekend in HK Derby

Werther Caps Magic Weekend in HK Derby

Werther capped a memorable weekend for Magic Millions graduates when he scored an exciting win in the Group One Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin (2000m) on Sunday evening.
Thanks to a copybook ride from champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman, Werther was able to grind down Victory Magic for a thrilling and deserved big race win.
Prepared by John Moore, Werther was placed in a Queensland and South Australian Derby before being sold to Moore’s brother, Rosehill trainer Gary in an undisclosed seven figure deal brokered by Magic Millions’ Sales Director David Chester.
It was a great result for Werther’s owner Johnson Chen considering the Derby carried a purse of HK$18 million (approx A$3 million).
Werther started his career in New Zealand where she showed great ability for a group of owners and trainer Andrew Campbell.
As well as being the runner-up in the South Australian and Queensland Derbies, Werther beat the older horses in an Eagle Farm Cup (2200m).
Werther, like Magic Millions National Yearling Sale graduate and Rosehill Guineas winner Tarzino, is a son of Montjeu’s Group One winning son Tavistock.
“What a tremendous result,” Magic Millions’ David Chester said. “What a weekend with Winx, Tarzino and then Capitalist winning the Slipper – and now a private sale graduate winning the Hong Kong Derby!”
Sunday’s win in the Hong Kong Derby by Werther capped a weekend in which Magic Millions graduates starred.
At Rosehill on Saturday it was a race to race to race Group One treble when Winx, Tarzino and Capitalist won the George Ryder Stakes, Rosehill Guineas and Golden Slipper respectively.
There was also a feature juvenile stakes race double in Perth with Whispering Brook and The River both winners, while a Bendigo Guineas victory for Silent Sendition was another highlight.
The Magic Millions focus is now firmly on the 2016 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale which is held tomorrow and Tuesday. To view the online catalogue for the sale which boasts recent graduates including Buffering and Tinto click here.