Winner: Illuminates (Strategic-Dazzle Light)
Race: AJC Toy Show Handicap LR (1400m)
Sold for $86,000
Sale: 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Graeme Rogerson
Sold for $460,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale
Vendor: Dormello Stud
Buyer: Baramul Stud
Earnings: $882,750
Owner(s): G Harvey
Trainer: Graeme Rogerson (Randwick)
Illuminates bowed out of racing in style when she gave her rivals weight, a start and a beating in the listed Toy Show Handicap (1400m) at Warwick Farm today.
Booked to fly to New Zealand on Monday night to kick away her breeding career, Illuminates came from last, down the outside of the track to win the feature mares event in great style.
The spritely six-year-old mare is set to be served in the coming weeks by the former Group One winning sprinter Swiss Ace at Westbury Stud on the outskirts of Auckland.
Prepared by leading trans-Tasman horseman Graeme Rogerson, Illuminates was able to win her fourth stakes race and sent her earnings soaring past $880,000.
Stable foreman Roger Elliott was all smiles in the winner’s stall, but admitted to some regret that the mare would be leaving after a fruitful career.
“She always gives 100 per cent and tries real hard,” Elliott said moments after the race. “She just keeps trying.”
“She goes on Monday night, but she’s done a good job and she’s been really good for me.”
Claire Bird, Racing Manager for owner Gerry Harvey, was delighted with the effort of the gallant mare.
“We were a little worried about the 60 kilos and the (relatively) dry track,” Bird said. “But she’s got such a big heart and she tries so hard.”
“She’s booked to fly out on Monday night. I’m going to try and talk Gerry out of sending her – but we’ll see.”
Successful rider Blake Shinn said the mare travelled well throughout the race and on straightening he knew he was going to be in the finish.
“The track thankfully still had some give, which is important for this mare,” Shinn said.
“She had the 60 kilos, but there’s a reason for that – she was the best horse.”
“She tracked into the race nicely. Once she got balanced she really quickened well and did a good job.”
The outstanding mare was bred by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud and sold to trainer Graeme Rogerson for $86,000 at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
Harvey recently brought the mare when offered by Dormello Stud at June’s National Broodmare Sale for $460,000.
The daughter of Strategic has now notched 10 wins and along with 17 minor placings she’s earned a massive $882,750.
She is one of two winners produced by the unraced Danzero mare Dazzle Light – a half sister to Stoway and daughter of Group One winner Travel Light.
MM News for 18 AUG 2010
SUTTON’S MAGIC SEASON CAPPED WITH PREMIERSHIP
Dale Sutton’s best ever racing season was capped when he was announced as one of the inaugural winners of the Magic Millions Trainers Premierships.
Sutton, who fronts the Wadham Park racing operation in Victoria, beat out Toowoomba’s Mark Webb to be crowned the Leading Trainer by wins with Magic Millions graduates on non-metropolitan tracks.
On Saturday at Caulfield, Sutton was recognised with his win with a presentation of his prize by Magic Millions Media Manager, Greg Irvine.
“Dale had a magnificent season and the premiership win is a deserved one,” Irvine said. “His win figure is impressive considering it didn’t include those at Caulfield, Moonee Valley, Flemington and Doomben.”
“The wins that did count for this premiership were achieved on tracks including Ballarat, Bendigo, Gold Coast, Geelong, Ipswich, Kilmore, Kyneton, Seymour and Tatura.”
“Last season Magic Millions graduates won more than 5,200 races around Australia – and many more overseas – it certainly was a great season for our clients.”
In winning, Sutton collected a $2,000 yearling sale voucher as well as a selection of Magic Millions gifts and merchandise.
Sutton is the recipient of the third Magic Millions Premiership to be announced for the recently completed 2009/10 racing season.
The remaining two winners will be announced and presented with their prizes soon.
MM TRAINER PREMIERSHIP
By non-metro wins in Australia
38 – Dale Sutton
34 – Mark Webb (Qld)
30 – David & Scott Brunton
