A champion chestnut who has won six of his first nine races will kickstart the Brisbane winter’s first million-dollar Group 1 race day at Doomben.
Clayton Douglas says he had “a little bit of a tear” after the horse trainer scored his first Group One victory with Giga Kick at the Autumn Carnival.
“I’m just really happy to be able to tick that off for the horse,” Mr Douglas told Sky News Australia.
“I’ve been so proud of all his efforts – all three runs were super, and to finish off his Sydney campaign with a Group 1 win was very satisfying
In partnership with Racing NSW.
The Brisbane carnival is a sprinter’s paradise and Giga Kick, one of Australia’s fastest, will start as a raging favourite for tomorrow’s star-studded $1.5 million Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000.
The incredible tale of Giga Kick who has changed trainer Clayton Douglas’ life
Brisbane famously propelled Winx to stardom during the 2015 winter when she won the Queensland Oaks, the mare’s first Group 1.
Part-owned by local businessman Peter Tighe, she would go on to win 25 Group 1s and more than $26 million in prizemoney.
Now it’s three-year-old Victorian gelding Giga Kick who is the talk of the town, having won six of its first nine races including last year’s The TAB Everest.
7 presenters Katie Brown and Emma Freedman with Giga Kick ahead of the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000. Picture: Josh Woning
7 Racing presenter Emma Freedman met the champion chestnut in Brisbane this week.
“Giga Kick is a seriously incredible animal,” she said.
“And he looks a treat leading into the Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000 – he’s all dappled up and very settled in his environment.
“(Trainer) Clayton (Douglas) has done a remarkable job with him.
“He’ll be hard to beat, it’s exciting for the people of Brisbane to see him in action”
Brisbane Racing Club CEO Tony Partridge said a crowd of about 5000 was expected on Saturday.
“Doomben 10,000 has long been one of the great days on the Australian racing calendar and we look forward to showing our thousands of guests some renowned BRC hospitality on what promises to be a brilliant day of racing this Saturday.”
FIRST TWO NAMED FOR THE HAYDEN
The first two runners have been confirmed for a new Queensland harness race named in honour of cricket legend Matthew Hayden.
The Hayden, a unique all-Queensland slot auction race, is a new addition to the winter Queensland Constellations harness carnival.
Queensland sporting legend Matthew Hayden and harness driver/trainer Matt Elkins. Picture: Michael McInally
It will be held at Albion Park on July 15 with $231,000 on offer and automatic entry into the rich $2.1 million TAB Eureka.
Group 1 winner Awaywego and rising star Speak The Truth will be confirmed on Friday as the first runners in the race.
Racing Queensland’s harness senior racing manager David Brick said he was pleased to see a strong field being built for The Hayden ahead of its debut.
“We are already seeing a lot of excitement building for this new race, and the confirmation of Awaywego and Speak The Truth will only add to that,” he said.
“With the slot auction at the Sunshine Stars Yearling Sale pushing the prize money above $230,000, and a win guaranteeing entry into the Eureka, we are expecting a high-quality race at Albion Park.
“We look forward to unveiling further acceptances as we draw closer to July 15, and continue to build towards the most exciting and innovative iteration of the Queensland Constellations yet.”
Eight Group 1s will be held over the seven weeks of the Queensland Constellations, with more than $3 million in prize money and bonuses up for grabs.