Hardy Zoustar gelding Sir Carter had the biggest pay day of all at the Gold Coast on Saturday winning the $500,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) bringing a timely pedigree update for his yearling half-brother by Tiger of Malay that will be offered by Raheen Stud on Sunday
The ownership group might call themselves ‘Mug Racing’ but there was nothing amateurish about their decision to buy into Sir Carter, whose prizemoney earnings sky-rocketed beyond $460,000 with his latest win.
There was pandemonium in the Gold Coast mounting yard in the moments after the race as the son of Zoustar clung on for the narrowest of wins, much to the delight of his many owners.
It was a centimetre perfect ride from Zac Lloyd, who was able to take control of the race from barrier four before fending off the late challenge of Astra Star and Oberoi Princess.
Less than a short-half head separated the first three horses over the line.
Trainer Will Hulbert said it was satisfying to complete the long-range aim of winning the race with the horse, who was bought originally by Grey Skies Bloodstock for $100,000 out of the Raheen Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He was then bought by Hulbert Racing through Inglis Digital for $17,000 in 2022.
Raheen Stud bred and sold Sir Carter, who is a half-brother to Group II winner Oak Door from stakes-winner Beyonce’s Star.
Sir Carter made dreams come true for his owners on Saturday.
“I thought he was home but then Kris’ horse (Astra Star) came really quickly and you always favour the outside horse here,” Hulbert said.
“But when the number was in the frame it was happy days.
“The ‘Mugs’ boys are bloody legends, they love racing and they love the horses.
“It’s probably been a two year plan with this horse because we were first emergency in the race last year so we’ve set it as our goal for the last 12 months.
“He got here today and did the job.
“He’s a good little ATM for us.”
Lloyd said he was able to use Sir Carter’s fitness and early speed to take the lead and control the race.
“I’ve been privileged to ride in some really famous colours over the past few years but this might top them all, the Mugs Punting colours, who would’ve thought,” Lloyd said.
“We had a good barrier on a horse that Peter and Will both said was very fit so I was able to use that and get him to the front.
“He was brave because he was all out late so to get his nose down like that was a good effort.”
