Queensland sprinter Temple Of Boom gave trainer Tony Gollan his first Group One victory when he zoomed home to win the Galaxy at Randwick on Saturday.
His triumph also capped a red letter day for 20-year-old New Zealand jockey James McDonald who had earlier booted home the first three winners on the Doncaster Mile program.
Gollan was on top of the world after Temple Of Boom defied an $8 to $15 betting drift to come from midfield and prevail to take out the 1100m sprint by a length over Nobby Snip ($5) with Ladys Angel ($14) another half-head away.
The five-year-old is a noted mudlark and when the Randwick track was upgraded from heavy to dead as the day progressed, many punters shied away from him.
For Gollan, Temple Of Boom’s win held even more significance as it came more than 35 years after his father Darryl won the Doncaster as an owner with Dalrello on the corresponding program in 1975.
“Dad’s at home and I’m sure it’s a very special moment for him as it is for me,” Gollan said.
“This is as good as it gets.
“This is definitely the pinnacle of my career. It’s my first Group One winner and what a day to do it on.”
Temple Of Boom had bumped into Black Caviar and Hay List at his first two runs back in Group One sprints in Melbourne before finishing eighth in the Sebring Sprint at his final lead-up run.
Gollan said the gelding would now return to Queensland for a short freshen up before being prepared for the BTC Cup next month.
McDonald was having his fifth ride on Temple Of Boom having won the Aurie’s Star and Gilgai Stakes aboard him in Melbourne last spring.
The Galaxy was McDonald’s first Group One victory in Sydney and he was thrilled to get it aboard Temple Of Boom having earlier notched wins aboard Dear Demi, Single Style and Lightinthenite.
“He’s been a fantastic horse to me,” McDonald said.
“I actually can’t believe I’ve just won a Group One in Sydney. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to ride and what a day it has been.”
Favourite Bel Sprinter ($4) bungled the start and never threatened in finishing ninth.
