The Hawkes family struck early on Magic Millions raceday when talented sydney galloper Stratford won the $100,000 BMW M3 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1200m) at the Gold Coast.

Facing the starter for the first time, Stratford zipped clear of his rivals in the straight and held on for a comprehensive length victory.

The gelding by Golden Slipper winner Stratum was purchased by senior part owner David Russo for $130,000 from the draft of Segenhoe Stud at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Michael Hawkes, representing his father John and brother Wayne who also co-train the gelding, was all smiles in the winner’s circle.

“He got into a nice spot from a good gate and he found the line well,” Hawkes said.

“He had no luck at all (at his last start in Sydney. I told the owners to just put a line through the run.”

“We decided to take the punt and come up here. He only arrived yesterday – but it’s all turned out well.”

“The horse settled in really well considering the short space of time and he’s done a super job.”

“He’s booked to go home tomorrow night on the float. So we’ll send him back there – we might freshen him up and then keep him going.”

While Stratford hasn’t been in Queensland for long, the Hawkes family have. They’ve been active over the past week at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

“The whole family is up for this week. We’ve bought a few and hopefully we’ll buy a few more.”

“We love the atmosphere and it’s great being up here,” Hawkes summed up.

In the run to the line Stratford and Jason Taylor held a length margin over Shezamyth (Glyn Schofield and Barry Baldwin) with a similar margin back to Colourado (Michael Rodd and Alan Scorse) in third place.

Stratford, a half brother to three stakes gallopers, is one of six winners produced by the True Version mare Celebration Bell.

A winner in Sydney over 1200 metres, Celebration Bell is the dam of AJC Nivison Handicap winner Whoever, Gimcrack Stakes winner Speedy Bell and the Melbourne stakes placegetter Superforce.

Speedy Bell is now better known as the dam of the Adrian Knox Stakes winner Speedy Natalie.

Meanwhile, BMW announced this morning that they have donated a M3 convertible, valued at $205,000 driveaway, to be auctioned off at the conclusion of tonight’s fourth session of the Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

All proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.