Bowman Creates History in MM 2YO Classic

Hugh Bowman created history at the Gold Coast on Saturday when he won the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) for a third time – on this occasion aboard star colt Shaquero. The win was champion trainer Chris Waller's first in the coveted race and doubled as the biggest juvenile success of his illustrious training career. After beginning well from barrier one, the son of Shalaa was able to settle just behind the solid speed before Bowman presented him into clear running at the top of the straight. haquero exploded over the final 300m to put a 1.25-length margin on Better Than Ready colt Alpine Edge, with another length back to She's All Class in third place. Bowman, who won the Classic in 2005 aboard Bradbury's Luck and in 2007 on Mimi Lebrock, said the inside draw, as well as Chris Waller's decision to give the colt a warm-up in last week's Gold Nugget (1100m), paved the way to victory. "He travelled really well, he benefited from that hot speed early and barrier one was certainly a key ingredient to our success today," Bowman said. "I've won a couple of Magic Millions (Classics previously) and they were both from low draws and it is a huge advantage to draw inside. Purchased by Mulcaster Bloodstock for $160,000 out of the Fernrigg Farm draft at the 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, the colt was Shalaa's first Australian runner, winner and stakes winner when victorious in last year's Breeders Plate (1000m). The progeny of Shalaa were in hot demand across the first four days of the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, none more so than Lot 382, a colt from Arrowfield Stud's draft, which was knocked down to James Harron Bloodstock for $1.15 million. Shaquero's half-sister by Hellbent was sold for $360,000 on Wednesday to The Racing League. The bulk of the $500,000 Magic Millions Racing Women's Bonus - a payday of $325,000 - went to the connections of fourth-placed filly Queen Of Wizardry, who is trained by Annabel Neasham and was ridden by Steph Thornton. Other horses to collect a Racing Women's Bonus included Ruby Kisses ($100,000), Ghostwriter ($50,000) and Mura Mura ($25,000).