Star jockey Jamie Kah’s up-and-down day has reached new heights, winning the Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500 metres) aboard South Australian visitor Goldrush Guru.
It was trainer Andrew Gluyas’ first Group 1 win as a solo trainer.
Earlier, Kah copped a knock from a horse and suffered a blood nose, but she was able to fulfill her other engagements for the day. It’s a good thing she did, as her mount in the Derby was able to outstay his rivals in what was a comfortable win.
The jockey also copped a careless riding charge in Race 2, meaning she may be suspended for next Saturday’s Champions Day.
Speaking to Channel 9 post-race, Kah said her horse “wanted to do another lap”.
“I couldn’t stop him. He.wanted to do another lap. Fantastic for Andrew,” Kah said.
Gluyas said the win is a “great moment” for South Australian racing, while crediting Kah’s toughness to bounce back from what is “probably a broken” nose.
I’m speechless. Overwhelmed. Proud. Satisfied. Great moment,” he said.
“She’s taken a blow to the nose and it was really troubling her even in that ride. Probably broken, she said.
“Lot of courage there.”
‘BEST SPRINTER IN COUNTRY’: $1.5M COLT’S HUGE GROUP 1 STATEMENT
The Chris Waller-trained Switzerland has won the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes in dazzling fashion.
Ridden by James McDonald, Switzerland let rip down the Flemington straight and raced away from a hot group of three-year-old sprinters.
“This is one of the nicest colts I have sat on for a while. He’s been promising to do that,” McDonald said post-race.
Switzerland was an expensive purchase as a yearling, costing $1.5 million. However, he’s added at least one zero to the end of that figure after Saturday’s win.
It’s Waller’s sixth Coolmore Stud Stakes win.
DERBY DAY FORM GUIDE: Tips for all three Group 1 races at Flemington
GOLDEN EAGLE PREVIEW: Verdict on all 20 runners for $10m battle
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PREVIEW
The four-day Melbourne Cup Carnival kicks off today at Flemington Racecourse with Derby Day while Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens plays host to the $10 million Golden Eagle.
80,000 are expected to pour into Flemington for the nine-race card, headlined by the oldest feature race in Australia – the VRC Derby (2500 metres).
The favourite is the low-flying El Castello, who is attempting to win his fifth straight race.
The Derby is one of three Group 1 races at Flemington in addition to the Empire Rose Stakes (1600 metres) and the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200 metres).
North of the border, the capacity field of 20 races for an eye-watering $10 million in the Golden Eagle.
The race, created to provide competition to Melbourne’s spring carnival, is relatively new on the Australian racing calendar, having been run and won since 2019.
