Gillian Heinrich fulfilled a lifetime ambition when grand filly Military Rose extended her unbeaten streak in the $2 million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Heinrich, a local, was almost lost for words when her star filly cruised home to one of the most comprehensive Magic Millions wins in recent years.
She ended a significant drought for Gold Coast trainers – only the second trainer to win the race following the inaugural win in the race of Sally Rogers with Snippets in 1987.
Military Rose was sent out the favourite and in a performance that delighted her followers she streaked clear in the straight for the easiest of wins.
At the post she had a three and three quarter margin over Sydney visitor Ambers Waltz. Brisbane youngster Demanding Miss was a further neck back in third place.
A $155,000 purchase for Hoss and Gillian Heinrich from the draft of Middlebrook Valley Lodge, Military Rose is likely to be set for the Golden Slipper following her historic win today.
“Oh my god,” Gillian Heinrich screamed moments after the race. “That was sensational.”
“How good is she,” she added. “She’s unbelievable.”
“When we first started galloping her we thought she was special. But we didn’t really know how special she was.”
“It’s so hard to get a horse into this race today – let along win it. It’s just absolutely fantastic.”
She said she had been overwhelmed by the support she had received from Gold Coasters, including rival stables.
“I can’t say enough about the locals. I’ve had that many text messages – good luck and to bring it home for the Gold Coast.”
Heinrich said to win a Magic Millions 2YO Classic proved the ultimate for her as a trainer. She’s been training for about 20 years.
“This is my home town and I’ve always wanted to win this race. It’s just sensational.”
“Ever since I’ve been training this is the race I’ve wanted. Like I said before, Group Ones are fantastic but there’s nothing like the Magic Millions for a Gold Coaster.”
The Heinrich team won’t be popping the champagne corks just yet – with the team on the quest to find next year’s Classic winner.
“We’ve already bought 10 – but we will be there trying to buy a few more. We bought six last year.”
Heinrich said as long as the stable star pulled up well she would be aimed at the Golden Slipper in Sydney in a few months time.
Winning rider Stathi Katsidis got the filly out of the barriers well and she raced on the speed throughout before bursting clear.
He was always travelling and was confident throughout.
“It would have to be (my biggest win). I’d never ridden in a $2 million race – let alone win one.”
“She was always travelling so well. I held on to her until we entered the straight and then I decided to niggle her along.”
“I didn’t go full bore until the 250 (metre mark) and when I saw she was so far in front I decided not to hit her much.”
“She’s got acceleration and she can come from behind,” the 30-year-old said.
Military Rose is the second winner sired by 1997 Classic winner General Nediym. His daughter Regimental Gal won the same race in 2003.