Note: Photos attached for publication – captions at bottom of release

Outstanding Brisbane jockey Stathi Katsidis capped a memorable 2009/10 racing season yesterday when he clinched two of the three Magic Millions Jockey Premierships.

It was a memorable afternoon for Katsidis – having swept away with the feature race of the day, the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield aboard star Gold Coast galloper Shoot Out.

Katsidis also rounded out the season by winning the Australian Jockey Premiership and also sharing the Brisbane title with Larry Cassidy.

But it was his effort to win two of the inaugural Magic Millions Premiership that had him smiling from ear to ear and $4,000 richer.

Katsidis won 79 races around Australia aboard Magic Millions graduates to win the Leading Jockey Premiership by an eight win margin over Brisbane rival Jim Byrne.

Perth’s Shaun O’Donnell was third with 62 wins.

And with a barnstorming late season charge Katsidis nabbed Gold Coast’s Daniel Griffin to win the non-metro division of the premiership by one victory – 42 wins to 41.

Katsidis was presented with his cheques and prizes yesterday at Caulfield by Magic Millions Media Manager Greg Irvine.

“This is a great honour and a real thrill,” Katsidis said. “It is great to see Magic Millions supporting trainers and jockeys with these innovative premierships.”

“I’ve had a great season and Magic Millions graduates have provided me with so many of my winners – particularly in feature races with horses like Shoot Out and Military Rose.”

Katsidis spent one eye yesterday on the races from Doomben to see if he could win or share the Brisbane premiership as Larry Cassidy made a late season charge. Cassidy rode one winner to share the Brisbane title with Katsidis.

“It’s great to hang on and share that premiership – but I must say I’m absolutely thrilled to win these two Magic Millions premierships – it’s a great incentive and means a lot to me.”

The other inaugural Magic Millions premiership winners will be announced soon.

MAGIC MILLIONS LEADING JOCKEY
(by all Australian wins on MM grads)

79 – Stathi Katsidis
71 – Jim Byrne
62 – Shaun O’Donnell

MAGIC MILLIONS LEADING NON-METRO JOCKEY
(by all non-metro Australian wins on MM grads)

42 – Stathi Katsidis
41 – Daniel Griffin
37 – Brendon McCoull

Photo captions:
1 – Stathi Katsidis won two of the three Magic Millions Jockey Premierships – walking away with $4,000
2 – Katsidis is presented with his cheques by Magic Millions Media Manager Greg Irvine.