3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Vinco claims the Restricted Listed $1M Whispering Angel Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast on Thursday.
Race Result:
1st: Vinco (BenThompson/Tony Gollan) - $21
2nd: Oscar Zulu (James McDonald/Chris Waller) - $3.60F
3rd: Holyfield (Brodie Loy/Annabel Neasham) - $7
Winning Time: 1:23.13 Last 600m: 36.28
Margins: ¾L x Long Head
A fast finishing Vinco rounds out a great day for @tonygollan in The @mmsnippets Cup! @BenThompson2102 gives the gelding a superb ride to finish the day. pic.twitter.com/DQ7kB1MWix
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 19, 2023
Winning Trainer: Tony Gollan
"It was out roughest runner of the whole day, Vinco, and I was concerned when the track was earlier in the week.
"In the run we were never going to be confident on him because he's a really hard horse to ride and Ben knows him well. He keeps at him and at him and he dared to go on the inside where no one dared to go."
"It's been amazing day. The filly was unbelievable early and to have that sort of thrill early in the day makes it hard to keep things rolling.
"It's a great finish to a brilliant day."
WInning Magic Millions: "It means a lot to me. Even from coming from when I was a strapper for my dad. Today I was quietly confident that I had the right horse but I guess you second guess yourself a little bit."
Winning Jockey: Ben Thompson
Emotional end of the day: "Yellow Brick (in 3yo) went so good but unfortunately he finds one better today. It's obviously bittersweet because I'd ridden Fashion Legend at his last two starts and I was only wrong but a neck but it is all it took.
"He went super, Yellow Brick, but to ride a winner it is hard enough but I'm fortunate to get a winner today. They're not easy to come by.
"A huge thank you to Tony Gollan. He's a great supporter of mine and just to get a winner on these big days when the best riders in the land are in town.
"It is so special and honestly it was overwhelming when you think of Steph and my parents - they were meant to be here and my grandparents and my in-laws. I've got such a good team behind me.
"It's my third Magic Millions since becoming and adopted Queenslander. It is super special to ride a winner on this day.
On the horse: "He's a horse that I've had a lot to do with. It is my third win aboard him. The race panned out so well. It was unlike Vinco to jump as good as he did.
"We got a beautiful run on the back of Love Tap. It was not going as well as Axe so I've just stayed in my lane and I've seen James McDonald zooming through on the rails on Oscar Zulu. I thought that's me so I stayed on the back of him.
"It was nice to get the better of Oscar Zulu late. It was pretty overwhelming.
"I was adamant walking the track, and if I'm a bit iffy I ask my wife, and she agreed that we thought tha anywhere from three off the fence was even."
