Trainer Simon Miller and jockey Patrick Carbery made history at Ascot in Perth today when Darlington Abbey won the $250,000 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m).
The three quarter length success, which extended the filly’s unbeaten run to two, made it a Magic Millions feature race clean sweep for the pair following the success of Night War in the R.M.Williams Magic Millions 3YO Trophy just over half an hour earlier.
It is the first time in the history of the two MM features that the same trainer and jockey have won both.
Darlington Abbey was sent out one of the popular elects in the Classic after an outstanding debut win at Pinjarra late last month.
The exciting winner had a three quarter length margin on the line over the debutant Vonlenska – an Excellent Art filly from the Darren McAuliffe stable.
Vonlenska’s stablemate Express Service was third, while Darlington Abbey’s stablemate Spice Again was fourth.
“All credit to my staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” Miller said on completing the big race double. “Without them I can’t get these results.”
“She was a lovely bodied filly at the sale but one of her legs wasn’t too flash – but I told the owners to have a throw at the stumps and they went to $50,000 to buy her – so all credit to them.”
“It’s no surprise to see what she’s done.”
“I treated Pinjarra as a bit of a barrier trial. Just to get her to get a bit of money and get into the race.”
“Off her work on Tuesday morning I knew she was going to be hard to beat,” Miller added.
Among the filly’s part owners is star West Coast Eagles ruckman Dean Cox – a man who towered over all in the mounting yard, particularly winning rider Pat Carbery who virtually came level with a knee cap.
“I can’t believe I’ve had a winner for a West Coast player,” Miller said with a laugh. “The only reason I let Coxy in was I made him wear a Freo scarf to the track one morning.”
“But it’s great for all involved.”
“A little plug I must give to Ryan Martin – he does all the work on both fillies and he’s done a great job educating both fillies.”
“I will put her (Darlington Abbey) out for about a week and then she can go to the Gimcrack and the Karrakatta and then we’ll way up the Sires’ (Produce Stakes).”
A graduate of Durham Lodge, Darlington Abbey was purchased for $50,000 from last year’s Perth Yearling Sale and from just two runs she’s already returned over $156,000.
Today’s Classic winner is one of 125 winners to date for former star Magic Millions graduate and Golden Slipper winner Stratum.
She is the first named foal of the former smart Blackfriars racemare Wynyard Hall – a winner of four races and over $120,000.
Wynyard Hall is a full sister to the Singapore black type galloper and seven time winner Dark General.
Third dam Ever Ready won a WA Guineas and Chirnside Stakes in Melbourne – both at Group Two level and was Group One placed at Flemington.
Winner: Darlington Abbey
Breeding: Stratum-Wynyard Hall (Blackfriars)
Race: WATC Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m)
Sold for: $50,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Vendor: Durham Lodge
Buyer: P Whyte
Earnings: $156,100
Owner(s): C Dale, KM Hunter, MS Pedley, D Cox, T Sage & G Lyons
Trainer: Simon Miller (Ascot)
