3 minute read

This time it was more than a “picnic”!

Hawkesbury mare Magic Talent  at Goulburn today showed she is just as adept at professional thoroughbred meetings as she is at the picnics.

Having won her first two races at picnic fixtures at Gosford and Goulburn, the four-year-old daughter of Sheer Talent returned to the latter track and overhauled her five rivals to land the Class 1 Handicap (1000m).

Starting at $11 and ridden by experienced apprentice Jean Van Overmeire, Magic Talent defeated Departing Bullet ($4.80) and $16 chance Turfeze.

Husband and wife training partners Mitch and Desiree Kearney clinched their sixth victory of the season – but unfortunately only one was on course to witness the mare come from last to power past her opposition.

Desiree Kearney saddled Magic Talent as husband Mitch watched on television from afar, having driven standardbred horses to Melbourne for a yearling sale at Oatlands Junction this weekend.

Magic Talent was also an acceptor for the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m) at Goulburn, but the Kearneys wisely chose the Class 1.

"She drew the inside alley in the Class 1 whereas the barrier draw wasn't as kind in the other race, even though it was a small field," Desiree Kearney said on her way home.

"Jean gave Magic Talent a brilliant ride.

"He allowed her to settle and then brought her with a strong run in the centre of the track in the straight.

"That's the best way to ride her.

"Magic Talent loves Goulburn, and it was good to see her win another race there."

The Kearneys race Magic Talent on lease from fellow Hawkesbury trainer Mike Van Gestel, who along with his wife Louise maintained their interest by staying in the lease.

Magic Talent, after winning at the Yass picnic meeting held at Goulburn on February 27, finished seventh in a Class 1 Handicap (1000m) on her home track on March 16.

Mitch Kearney was prepared to overlook that run, explain she drew an outside barrier and overraced.

"Magic Talent has worked well since, and we were quietly confident today dropping back to country class," he said.