Trainer Chris Waller admits he was disappointed Tumultuous failed to develop into a Derby contender but he has given Sydney’s premier trainer a consolation win in the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy at the Gold Coast.
Waller opened a Queensland stable at the Gold Coast in August and has already had 14 city winners with the majority in staying races.
“Our aim was to win staying races and to win races at the Magic Millions,” Waller said.
A son of champion sire Fastnet Rock, Tumultuous was a $350,000 yearling but before Saturday’s race had won only three restricted class races and $128,800 prize money.
Starting at $26, Tumultuous charged through a gap to pick up a further $600,000 by beating the favourite Sedanzer ($2.30) by a nose.
Outraged ($51) was caught deep for most of the race but fought on well to be third a short neck back.
Waller said he had always held high hopes for Tumultuous but to date he had not lived up to them.
“But we thought this race was ideal for him as he was back on a dry track and out to 2200m,” Waller said.
“I really did hold hopes for him as Derby horse and he has finally lived up to some where near those wraps.”
Waller said having the Gold Coast stable was proving worthwhile and gave him a chance to score his biggest Millions win to date.
“Our stayers have been going well up here and it has been a team effort,” Waller said.
Sedanzer’s co trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott asked to see the photo finish but it clearly showed Tumultuous winning.
