Mr Brightside has been a special horse for Lindsay Park providing the stable with a number of firsts.
The New Zealand-bred gelding provided Ben and J D Hayes with their first Group 1 when he took out the Doncaster Handicap at Randwick last year.
With brother Will, the twin of J D, joining the training fold at Lindsay Park from the start of the season, Mr Brightside played his part in giving the trio their first Group 1 in partnership when scoring a gutsy victory in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Drawn the outside gate in the field of 14, jockey Craig Williams rolled the dice electing to go forward early and follow Alligator Blood across.
While Alligator Blood was able to get outside the leader Annavisto, Williams and Mr Brightside were caught three-wide without cover.
Joining the leaders early in the straight, Mr Brightside, the $2.70 favourite, then had to hold off the late bid of Princess Grace ($6.50) to score by a long-neck with I Wish I Win ($4.60) a half-head away third.
“I went out and walked the track before that race and I felt it’s not going to be a disadvantage to him if he sits wider rather than having the rail,” Williams said.
“I thought I had two options and the horse rewarded me with the decision I made.
“It was a very good race, and I just loved the way that he loves to stick his head out in front, and pin back his ears.
“He’s going to be the best miler in Australia and if the Hayes boys want to go somewhere else with him this horse won’t disappoint because he’s a competitive horse.
“They’ve got a good handle on him, and I’d be happy to put my red saddle on him wherever he runs.”
Ben Hayes said the enormity of the Saturday’s win was still sinking in.
“Will’s had his first Group 1 win which is amazing, and the whole team got a big buzz out of it,” he said.
“Everyone back at the farm behind the scenes has really worked hard and to get the results like this with a special horse like Mr Brightside is incredible.”
Will Hayes was playing AFL football with Carlton last season until he his contract was not renewed but is still playing country football for Euroa and has a finals match against Mooroopna on Sunday.
“I’m so indebted to my brothers and my family for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream at AFL level but it’s a blessing now that they (Carlton) gave me the tap on the shoulder because it’s pretty unbelievable,” Hayes said after savouring his first Group 1 success.
Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside was likely to head to the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in two weeks’ time, after which a decision would be made on which direction the gelding heads.
