It’s 45 minutes champion trainer Darren Weir is unlikely to forget.
After winning the Magic Millions Trophy with Lucky Hussler, Weir only hade to wait until the following race, the Magic Millions Guineas, to accept another piece of silverware courtesy of Mahuta.
Mahuta
“You’ve got pinch yourself when things like this happen,” Weir said.
“We’ve been lucky in that both horses have come here in good form and settled in well.
“The prize money is so good I think a lot of stables will be targeting this meeting instead of just waiting for the autumn after a spring campaign.”
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Weir after a flight scheduled to transport Mahuta and Lucky Hussler to Queensland was cancelled on Tuesday.
Fortunately for Weir, an alternative flight was arranged and the pair arrived on Thursday.
Weir’s confidence was dampened when Mahuta originally drew barrier 20 for the Guineas.
“Even though he came into 15 it wasn’t ideal to draw out there but fortunately he was good enough to overcome it,” Weir said.
Jockey Brad Rawiller rode Mahuta positively from the barrier to reach the lead before the first turn.
Mahuta strode clear on straightening and maintained his advantage to win by a length from the fast-finishing Single Gaze ($26) with Egyptian Symbol ($5.50) a head away third.
“He was getting a bit tired late but he was entitled to and he had great form to win a race like this,” Weir said.
Rawiller said Weir deserved all the credit for Mahuta’s victory.
“Mahuta has been working without blinkers with Lucky Hussler who has been holding him in their gallops but Darren was able to keep him interested and fresh for this race,” Rawiller said.
“He is a very good horse and what Darren has done in the last six months let alone the last five years speaks for itself.”
Kathy O’Hara was full of praise for the effort of Single Gaze.
“She always tries her best and she produced another good effort today,” she said.
Jockey Glyn Schofield had a hardluck tale after riding third placegetter Egyptian Symbol.
“She raced well but got disappointed for a run at the wrong time,” he said.
