We had a tremendous day at the races on Saturday and really enjoyed the hospitality put on by Magic Millions.
We are all so proud of Oakleigh Girl who gave her all to finish second to the big strong colt Unencumbered in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. As the first of the female owned horses past the post, Louise Gillard was awarded the $325,000 Women In Racing Bonus first prize, bringing the total prizemoney for second place to a hefty $625,000. Louise is an avid collector of Lladro porcelain so she was absolutely delighted when presented with the two white galloping racehorses trophy.
After the race jockey Craig Newitt’s comments were as follows:
She ran how I thought she would. She ran sensational. He (Unencumbered) was too big and too strong. She's been up a long time and did a great job. A good break will only do her the world of good. She's a genuine Group I filly no worries.
Danny agrees wholeheartedly with Craig Newitt. Oakleigh Girl has been up a long time having first raced and won on Melbourne Cup Day. The tough run in the BJ McLoughlin took a fair bit out of her, as she set a blistering pace for the first 600m but still managed to hold on to finish 2 lengths fourth, behind the winner. It was a testament to Danny's training and Oakleigh Girl's toughness that he was able to hold her together to feature so strongly in the Magic Millions.
Danny and the connections have decided to bypass the Golden Slipper in the interests of the filly. So on Monday morning Oakleigh Girl went to the spelling paddock for a good long rest before she resumes for her Spring campaign.
Congratulations to the connections of Unencumbered (who knows if he wins the Slipper they may meet again down the track in the breeding barn) and Ruby Soho (also female owned). It is a wonderful thrill for owners, trainers and the breeders of the horses to have a runner in the Magic Millions.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who sent kind wishes and support for Danny and Oakleigh Girl. It is sometimes a very hard job, with long hours, for very little reward so when you do have some success it is appreciated all the more.
Kind regards
Marybeth