Quality Perth galloper Grey Monarch sent his earnings soaring over the $400,000 barrier when he led home a Magic Millions first four result in the listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes (1400m).

A son of Verglas, Grey Monarch tracked the leader Wolfe Dreams for much of the race before getting off the fence at the top of the straight and racing to the front.

He then showed great fight over the concluding stages to hold out Dempsey and Our Ol’ Fella and he drew clear again to win by three parts of a length.

Troy Turner was aboard the winner for local horseman Ivan Haggerty.

“He’s a great old horse,” Haggerty said. “Everytime you put him out there he tries his heart out.”

“The only thing that ever beats him is luck – and maybe just a little bit of super talent, but he’s a great horse.”

“He loves being there near the rail and Troy (Turner) rode him absolutely perfect there today. A beautiful ride.”

Haggerty gave his grey galloper a great chance following his previous start, when third behind Westriver Kevydonn in the Group Three RJ Peters Stakes.

“It was a good run last start. I thought he was well beaten at the 200 (metre mark) but he kicked back well and went really well so we decided to butter him up.”

“Normally he has to go two of three weeks (between a run) but he pulled up so well we decided to give it a go.”

“He’s getting tougher. He eats well and he’s just happy where he is at the moment and we’re pretty happy with him too.” 

Grey Monarch, now a spritely seven-year-old, was purchased by his current owner Allan Barnes for $65,000 when he topped the 2010 Magic Millions Perth Winter Thoroughbred Sale at Belmont.

Since then he has earned over $160,000 for Barnes and sent his lifetime earnings up over the $400,000 barrier.

A nine time winner, Grey Monarch is a half brother to the Placid Ark Stakes placegetter Proud Hero and the seven time winner Heart Ache.

They are all from the city winning and stakes race fourth placegetter Heartbeat, a daughter of Roy’s Jester and half sister to Suspicion – the group winning dam of present day star Morant.

Grey Monarch was bred and formerly raced by Bob and Sandra Peters and was one of two stakes winners on today’s Railway Stakes card sold by the pair as proven and sound racing prospects.

Winner: Grey Monarch
Breeding: Verglas-Heartbeat (Rory’s Jester)
Race: WATC Carbine Club of WA Stakes LR (1400m)
Sold for: $65,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Perth Winter Thoroughbred Sale
Vendor: Peters Investments
Buyer: Allan Barnes
Earnings: $406,550
Owner(s): AJ Barnes
Trainer: Ivan Haggerty (Bullsbrook)

PIC – Damien Wyer.