Outstanding South Australian galloper Happy Trails rounded out an action packed Melbourne Cup Carnival with a thrilling win in the $1 million Group One Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
In a triumph for astute sale ring buying, Happy Trails sent his earnings soaring past $1.2 million with his victory over race favourite Fawkner and multiple Group One winner Secret Admirer.
The win sent connections into raptures. Leading the celebration was Morphettville trainer Paul Beshara – the man who bought Happy Trails for $11,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
“I’ve never felt this good in my life,” Beshara beamed.
“When we won the Dato (Tan Chin Nam Stakes) it felt good, but this is the best.”
“This horse is a really honest horse and he just gives you 150 per cent – that’s all he does.”
“He’s always there but today is his day and he deserves it.”
Having completed a campaign which netted three group races on three different tracks, Happy Trails will be sent for a spell with the riches of Sydney in the new year in mind.
“He’ll go out to the paddock now and we’ll bring him back in the autumn so he can have a go at the Doncaster (Mile).”
Happy Trails was aided by a perfect ride from Damien Oliver, the star rider able to score his first win in the feature Cup Carnival Group One event.
“It’s eluded me for a long time this race so it’s nice to finally get it, and it’s nice to get it for such lovely people in Paul Beshara and the Dickmann family.”
“This horse has promised so much and he’s really delivered this spring so it was great to get the Group One.”
Happy Trails was bred by South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders President Brenton Parker and wife Liz and was sold through the draft of Mill Park for $11,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
The star galloper is raced by the Dickmann family of Adelaide – Peter and Erica, son Justin, daughter in law Kim, daughter Nicole and her fiance Peter Swanell.
The ever consistent performer boasts the record of five wins and 11 placings from 29 starts and earnings of over $1.2 million.
The result was a triumph for South Australian breeding – the gelding by Cornerstone Stud’s resident sire Good Journey and the mare hailing for a family littered with SA stars.
Happy Trails’ dam Madame Flurry, a 1000 metre race winner by Perugino, is a three quarter sister to the former Jim Wilson trained group performer Flurry’s Gem – dam of Malaysia’s Selangor Gold Cup winner Power of Khan.
Madame Flurry is a half sister to fellow SA bred performers Lake Villa, Flurry’s Autumn and Birdbrain. Flurry’s Autumn is the dam of group winner Royal Sash (dam of Just Been Lucky), Flurry’s Gem, Bronc as well as the dam of Shadrach.
Winner: Happy Trails
Breeding: Good Journey-Madame Flurry (Perugino)
Race: VRC Emirates Stakes G1 (1600m)
Sold for: $11,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
Vendor: Mill Park (As Agent)
Buyer: Paul Beshara
Earning: $1,209,350
Owner(s): P & Mrs E Dickmann, J & Mrs K Dickmann & Ms N Dickmann & P Swanell
Trainer: Paul Beshara (Morphettville)
