| Classy sprinter Jonker provided his sire Spirit of Boom with a first Group One winner following a dashing win in tonight’s Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley. |
The Queensland bred, sold and trained galloper used petrol early but didn’t give his rivals a look in, dashing home to win the Group One contest under lights. Trainer Tony Gollan, watching from the Sunshine State, said he was proud his star short course performer was able to show his exceptional talents off at the top level. “It’s been a luckless spring for one reason or another,” Gollan said. “Tonight we were able to see the real horse.” “He wasn’t great away, did a mountain of work and was still there fighting at the finish. The others all had their chances.” Gollan said he wasn’t sure where Jonker would race next or what his immediate future would hold. “I will talk to the Snowdens as they have been integral in his preparation over the past seven weeks.” “We were looking at Perth but that is very tricky now with the COVID situation – but we will see as there’s other options.” Those options could include a feature on The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday in January or a return trip to Moonee Valley to contest the William Reid Stakes. “He’s been an incredible horse for all of his connections. I wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived – but he got to the stable in great shape and he’s been a star.” “He’s had three runs in Group Ones for us for a first, second and third and he’s broken a track record in Brisbane and won a feature on Magic Millions Day!” “I’m very grateful to the owners for sending him my way and I’d really like to thank Peter and Paul Snowden and their team – I haven’t seen the horse for seven weeks and they’ve been incredible looking after him for us.” In winning, Jonker sent his career earnings smashing through the $2 million barrier. Not bad considering he cost $45,000 at the 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The win continued an incredible spring for top class rider Daniel Moor – his third career Group One – all achieved this spring. “I said to Tony Gollan this morning that he gave me a similar feel to what Wild Ruler gave me (leading into a recent Group One win),” Moor reported. “He’s a lovely gentleman of a horse and I’m so pleased to have got the job done.” “He’s an older horse who likes a challenge. He’s been a little doughy out, but we wanted him out in front in his own leisure. He loves a challenge and rolling on his own accord.” “Obviously being a Group One race there was always going to be a lot of speed and I knew I had the horse to absorb that pressure early.” “He floated a little bit (near the corner) but when I gave him a good roar he was strong,” Moor added. Jonker is the first Group One winner for his sire, former outstanding sprinter Spirit of Boom, who won a Doomben 10,000 and also a William Reid Stakes before retiring to Eureka Stud. It was fitting that Gollan, who prepared Spirit of Boom during his career, would be the trainer of his first elite level winner. Jonker, who was sold on the Gold Coast through the Fig Tree Thoroughbred draft, was bred by Jeff Cullen’s Wicklow Lodge and is from the twice winning Kempinsky mare Hearts and Arrows. Hearts and Arrows is a half sister to group winners Fiscal Fantasy and Fair Trade. Jonker’s win provided New Zealanders Bruce Perry and Jamieson Park with a great boost after they purchased Fiscal Fantasy for $320,000 at May’s National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast. Winner: Jonker Breeding: Spirit of Boom-Hearts and Arrows (Kempinsky) Breeder: Wicklow Lodge Race: MVRC Manikato Stakes G1 (1200m) Sold for: $45,000 Sale: 2017 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Fig Tree Thoroughbreds (As Agent) Buyer: Doug Crich Earnings: $2,065,660 Owner(s): GJ McPherson, DC Crane, TR Maddern & Spirit Racing (Mgr: G J McPherson) Trainer: Tony Gollan (Eagle Farm) |
