It was a red letter night for the team from Armidale Stud – they bred the first four runners home in the Magic Millions Tasmanian 2YO Classic (1220m) and their resident sire swept both features.
Our Long Sali, a juvenile bound for bigger and better things, led the way with a dominant win in the 2YO Classic, cruising home to beat her rivals by two lengths.
Sent out the favourite after an eye catching third on debut to subsequent stakes winner Mystic Journey in late January, Our Long Sali was always travelling sweetly for Craig Newitt and scored effortlessly.
The filly was purchased at last year’s Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale for $32,000 by Joe O’Neill of Prime Thoroughbreds from the draft of Armidale Stud.
“This is the seventh Magic Millions feature race I’ve won around Australia,” O’Neill said tonight. “I have been buying from Magic Millions since 1997 and have built up a great relationship with the team – it’s fantastic and I’ve had so much success buying from their sales.”
“This filly looks to have a very bright future. She’s shown great ability from the start and provided she pulls up well she will head to the Gold Sovereign (Stakes).”
O’Neill said the filly was largely owned by long term clients and friends, however there was at least one first timer in the syndicate.
“This is what racing is about – large groups of people coming together and enjoying the races and a win,” he added.
Armidale Stud will present a full sister to Our Long Sali as Lot 130 at tomorrow’s 2018 Tasmanian Yearling Sale at the Inveresk Showgrounds.
Tough Speed gelding Tiesto finished strongly to claim second and scoop a $10,000 bonus for his connections being the first 100% female owned runner home in the Classic.
A full brother to Tiesto by Tough Speed is catalogued as Lot 48 at tomorrow’s sale, again for Armidale Stud.
“When we bought him we had the bonus in mind right from the start,” part owner and co-trainer Tanya Hanson said. “It’s a great thrill and hopefully us girls can do it again next year.”
Meanwhile, another of Australia’s leading syndicators struck a little later in the night when Jubilance finished too well for her rivals in the Tasbreeders Magic Millions 3YO Classic (1220m).
The purple and white colours of Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds returned victorious when Jubilance won by three quarters of a length.
A $72,500 purchase for Martin at the 2016 Tasmanian Yearling Sale from Armidale Stud, Jubilance is now a two time winner and like the 2YO Classic winner is a daughter of Needs Further.
Long time Star Thoroughbreds owner and local businessman Bruno Calabro is a part owner and he was thrilled with the win.
“I couldn’t be happier,” Calabro said. “I’ve owned horses with Denise for over 20 years and have had some good success and to win another feature is a great thrill.”
Breeder and part owner Robyn Whishaw and the team from Armidale Stud were over the moon with tonight’s results.
“Wow, what a night,” she said. “We kept a share in Jubilance and to win the 3YO Classic with (trainer) Barry Campbell and Denise (Martin) is fantastic.”
“And what a great ride from Jason (Maskiell). He has so many fans and I’m just rapt he’s riding so well. He won a big race on Hellova Street last week and it’s so satisfying to see him back winning the big races,” she added.
The flashy full sister to Jubilance will go under the hammer as Lot 20 tomorrow in Launceston.
Tomorrow’s 2018 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale commences at 12 noon (AEDT time). Some 137 lots are catalogued for the auction including 98 nominated for the new TASBRED incentive scheme.
