The thrill of winning was no more evident than when Broadmeadow galloper Midnight at Ascot won the $100,000 Marriott Magic Millions Country Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast.

Connections celebrated in grand style as their in form four-year-old got home after a terrific battle with Toowoomba galloper Golden Kid.

The race result was delayed when the connections of the runner-up fired in a protest alleging interference over the concluding stages. Stewards dimissed the objection.

A son of Mossman, Midnight at Ascot is trained by Darren Smith and he’s a quality performer for Dean Watt’s Dynamic Syndications outfit.

“This is what it’s all about,” Watt beamed from the winner’s enclosure. “Winning on a big day like this – it’s just fantastic.”

“We all dream of winning the two-year-old or three-year-old race – but for these owners this is the Country Cup and to them it’s as good as the Cox Plate or the Golden Slipper.”

“Winning is great and racing is all about the owners. The reality of this is the the real heroes in this are the owners.”

“The owners live the dream and put their hard earned in each week.”

“All credit to Darren Smith who’s taken the horse from a city reject and in 11 starts he’s had five wins. That is what racing is all about.”

Midnight at Ascot came from back in the field and on the fence under proven big race rider Corey Brown.

Watt paid $55,000 for Midnight at Ascot from the draft of Baramul Stud at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

He is by Mossman and from a winning Night Shift mare who’s the dam of six winners and is a half sister to the dam of stakes winner Fly With Me.