Gai’s Star Too Strong In Stayers Cup


Gai Waterhouse’s run of success at the Magic Millions raceday continued on the Gold Coast today when quality galloper Kinnersley won the $200,000 Korean Air Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m).

Courtesy of a perfect ride from stable rider Tommy Berry, Kinnersley raced clear in the straight and scored a comprehensive length and a quarter win to the cheers of connections.

Carrying the famous Star Thoroughbreds colours, Kinnersley lead home minor placegetters Anagold and Bid Spotter.

“He’s such a lovely horse,” Waterhouse beamed from the mounting yard after the race. 
“He’s been such a good horse to Star and to the owners.”

“We freshened him up. He’s been down to the beach at Nudgee and he’s having an absolute ball here in Queensland.”

“We might have to leave him here – he’s a Queensland boy through and through,” she added.

“I love the way how Tommy had him positioned about fourth. And then he kicked on in the straight.”

“It was never in doubt at the top of the straight,” Waterhouse added.

Kinnersley, a graduate of Southern Cross Breeders, was purchased by Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds for $80,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

As it stands the grand galloper has won seven of his 21 starts and earned over $480,000.

A proven stakes winner of the Lord Mayor’s Cup in Sydney, Kinnersley is one of three winners produced by the lightly raced mare Miss Radiant.

A daughter of Geiger Counter, Miss Radiant is a half sister to Flight Stakes winner Electrique as well as Perth stakes winner Caretaker.

Kinnersley is one of 17 stakes winners for his sire Al Maher, a superbly bred Danehill sire who as a three-year-old won the Australian Guineas for the Waterhouse stable.