Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park was under water late last year after Queensland’s devastating floods.
On Saturday the track was covered again – but this time it was with sunshine and patrons.
The club hosted their biggest raceday – featuring the $100,000 Rockhampton Cup and a $150,000 QTIS 600 2YO Plate – and Magic Millions graduates were to the fore.
Both feature races were won by graduates of Australia’s most winning thoroughbred sales company – both purchased by their current connections.
Outstanding juvenile Rocket to Glory was the first leg of the feature double – notching back to back feature wins in the $150,000 QTIS 600 Plate.
With Chris Whiteley aboard, Rocket to Glory was able to shoot to the front and hold his rivals at bay for a half length success.
The Shovhog juvenile has earned a staggering $242,900 from his 10 runs – not bad for a youngster trained by Mackay.
Trainer John Manzelmann took a shine to Rocket to Glory at last year’s Magic Millions QTIS 600 Yearling Sale and he parted with $20,000 for the Raheen Stud offering.
The gelding was sent out the well backed $2.80 favourite following his six and a quarter length romp at his previous start in the $100,000 Great Northern Plate at Townsville.
Just over half an hour later it was the turn of the Lyle Rowe trained Cannyclimb to score the biggest win of his career in the $100,000 Rockhampton Cup.
Sent out at massive odds, Cannyclimb took the lead early in the race and would never be headed – getting to the post a half length ahead of Old Mates Act and the favourite Writer.
Winning rider David Simmons gave the crowd and photographers a big salute as his charge flashed past the post.
A son of Monashee Mountain, Cannyclimb was purchased by Rowe from the draft of Misty Downs for $18,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
The tough five-year-old now has nine wins and 19 placings on his record and his earnings have raced to $166,950.
Fellow Magic Millions graduates Peelings, Preacher Boy and Hidden Babe were also winners on the big card.
