Glamour mare More Joyous has given Gai Waterhouse a record-equalling seventh Doncaster Mile, a victory the trainer describes as her most satisfying yet.
Waterhouse’s late father TJ Smith held the Doncaster record before Saturday but it was only a matter of time before his daughter drew level.
That it was More Joyous was even more fitting with the mare holding a special place in the Waterhouse racing machine.
Her owner John Singleton was adamant earlier in the week she wouldn’t run with the prospect of a heavy track but the recuperative powers of Randwick Racecourse meant it went from a heavy (8) in the morning to a dead (5) by race time.
“She is just what we need in racing, a mare like her,” Waterhouse said.
“She wasn’t named New South Wales Horse of the Year for nothing last year,” Waterhouse said.
“This is the most satisfying Doncaster win.
“It’s a dream come true.”
The steady favourite all week, More Joyous firmed from $4.40 to $3.70 favouritism as the track did likewise.
Nash Rawiller settled her in just behind the leaders and gave her a sweet run to the home turn.
Yosei ($31) took the lead at the 300m and sustained a long run but More Joyous and Shoot Out ($7.50) were doing even better.
More Joyous exploded away to beat Shoot Out by three-quarters of a length with Yosei holding third another neck away.
“Words can’t describe how good she was today,” Rawiller said.
“It is very emotional for me.
“She is my favourite horse since I’ve been in Sydney.”
Originally from Melbourne, Rawiller has been with Waterhouse for five years and has risen to become the leading Group One jockey in the country.
The winner of all three starts this autumn, More Joyous was a problem child as a young horse but has grown into her talent.
Singleton said that was due to one person, Waterhouse, but she heaped praise on More Joyous’ handler Dave Meijer and track rider Steve O’Halloran.
“The care she gets from Dave Meijer is so special,” she said.
“She is poetry in motion and the best mare I’ve ever trained.”
There were no excuses or hard luck stories from those behind More Joyous.
“We were beaten by a champion,” Shoot Out’s rider Hugh Bowman said.
Yosei’s jockey Michelle Payne walked the track pre-race and decided the fence was the place to be in what was almost a repeat of her 2010 Sires’ Produce Stakes win.
“I was in the right place,” Payne said.
“She was just beaten by two better ones on the day.”
Singleton is used to big-race wins but More Joyous’ successes mean more than most.
“I bred her. We raised her at Strawberry Hill,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic family effort all round.
“Joy to the world.”
