| Untapped filly Gerringong has joined the race for January’s inaugural $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight where she will clash with Golden Slipper winning stablemate Lady of Camelot. |
| The daughter of Blue Point who is unbeaten in two Sydney runs has been locked in for the country’s newest multi-million dollar feature in the Magic Millions slot. Gerringong carries the colours of her senior part owner, larrikin businessman and former Magic Millions part-owner John Singleton and “Singo” said he was excited about her chances in the New Year. “This filly is one of just two I kept when dispersing and you could call it a bit of luck (she was retained),” Singleton said. “She has certainly been impressive at her only two starts.” “The really exciting thing is that Tim Clark has said he hasn’t got anywhere near her bottom yet – he thinks there could be another gear!” If there is another gear it will make the TAB Magic Millions Sunlight an intriguing contest between established group performers and rising stars. “To be involved with one of my greatest mates in Gerry in this exciting new race certainly means a lot.” “We have been mates since I was about 26 and I’m nearer 90 these days. It’s been an enduring friendship – something really special.” Singleton was a former part owner of Magic Millions and there’s nothing more he enjoys than his horses featuring during the famous Summer Carnival in Queensland. “I’ve been to every Magic Millions since Snippets. You can never get enough of it! Credit to Carl Waugh for coming up with the idea and it has really grown into something special since.” “There’s obviously Group Ones and international races you love to win – and for me any win at the Magic Millions is right up there. I would love to see Gerringong win.” “The filly is a direct descendent of the great Joie Denise who produced Tuesday Joy and Sunday Joy – who turned out the dam of More Joyous, one of the great mares of our time.” “It’s a family I’ve had so much success with it seemed right that I keep a filly to race. She is from This Time Bridie, named after my former stud manager and in turn from Deedra, who was in charge before that.” Gerringong has strong ties to the Rugby League community – Singleton reflecting on Parramatta’s first premiership win in 1981 against his beloved Newtown Jets. The filly’s part owners include Eels champions Mick Cronin, Bob O’Reilly and Peter Wynne and Jets legends Barry Wood, Phil Sigsworth and Col Murphy Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said he was thrilled to be able to secure Gerringong for the company’s slot. “Gerringong is an incredibly exciting prospect, Adrian (Bott) has filled us with confidence, she has so much upside,” Bowditch said. “Her two wins have been effortless and she looks a filly destined for group races.” “We are excited to be teaming up with Singo and his part owners in the TAB Magic Millions Sunlight. Singo has been such an integral part of Magic Millions and it seems only fitting that we join forces for the inaugural running of the Sunlight.” “The field for the race in a few weeks is coming together beautifully. There’s more slots to be filled and the race will continue to strengthen.” “Along with the $1 million Magic Millions The Syndicate, for horses with 20 plus owners, the TAB Sunlight will be telecast live primetime on Seven,” Bowditch added. Gerringong is the second Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained filly to be secured by a slotholder for the $3 million feature. Yesterday it was announced that this year’s Golden Slipper winner Lady of Camelot would run in the Go Bloodstock and Waterhouse Bott Racing slot. The $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight is one of two million dollar features to be contested during the much anticipated Magic Millions Gold Twilight meeting on Saturday 4 January. A cracking line up of 10 races, carrying a total pool of over $6 million, will provide an amazing racing entree to an extravaganza of thoroughbred events at Australia’s holiday playground. The Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping will be held the following day on Sunday 5 January, before the spectacular barrier draw event at Surfers Paradise beach on Tuesday 7 January. All eyes will then switch to the Magic Millions Sales Complex for the 2025 Gold Coast Yearling Sale from January 7 to 13. The racing action will hit ever pitch on January 11 when the $14.5 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday is held at the Gold Coast Turf Club. |
