Tears flowed freely when Mywayorthehighway, the last horse picked out by the late racecaller Wayne Wilson, won the Vo Rogue Plate at massive odds on Saturday.
Mywayorthehighway ($81) led most of the way to beat the favourite Hijack Hussy ($2.60) by a long neck with a half head to Worth Cause ($21) in third.
Trainer Mick Mair, who was recovering at home on the Sunshine Coast after a recent stroke, bought Mywayorthehighway from Magic Millions owner Gerry Harvey for $25,000.
Wilson, who died in June after a long battle with cancer, wanted to race one more horse and went to inspect several yearlings in Mair’s paddock.
Stable representative Belinda Kelly said Wilson liked the look of Mywayorthehighway and chose it.
“He took a share for his wife Sally who now races the filly in partnership with some other stable clients,” Kelly said.
“Mick will be thrilled. He actually watched the race at home with Jana Griffin (winning jockey Dan Griffin’s wife).
“I don’t know what to say. I can’t remember ever being so thrilled.”
Sally Wilson was away on holidays but will be back when Mywayorthehighway runs in the Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast on January 10.
Griffin said the filly had shown enormous heart over the final 200m.
“They kept coming at her but she just kept fighting,” Griffin said.
Jockey Tim Bell who rode Hijack Hussy said the filly had run home well but the winner had kicked back too strongly.
Hijack Hussy raced a long way out of her ground from a wide draw and lost no admirers from a Magic Millions perspective.
