Once upon a time when a racehorse became a millionaire it was a big deal, but in 2026 they are a dime a dozen, however some take a bit longer to get there and do it the hard way.
Much loved West Aussie turf warrior Let's Galahvant notched up his fifth stakes win and first success in more than two years, with a determined win in the Listed South West Cup (2213m) at Bunbury on Sunday.
The rising eight year old son of Galah (Redoute's Choice) with Natasha Faithfull in the saddle, had to fend off a three-pronged attack from the powerful Michael Grantham stable comprised of the Bob Peters - bred first and second favourites Opportunistic and Diamond Scene, both sons of the late So You Think, and 10/1 hope First Encounter (Dundeel).
The Dan and Ben Pearce trained Let's Galahvant had to settle for second to Perth star Western Empire ( Iffraaj) last start in the G3 Strickland Stakes, a race he beat that horse in two years ago before running third in the South West Cup.
The absence of that galloper and a favourable slow track was all he needed to spring back to winning form and claim his thirteenth career victory.
Sent out at odds of 12/1, Let's Galahvant received a perfect ride from Faithfull who settled him at the rear of the field before letting him loose from the 600m to be sitting just behind the leader Ginger Baker ( Gingerbread Man) as heads turned for home.
As the field fanned away from the rail on the wet track, Let's Galahvant was able to shoot through and clear away, with the Peters armada in hot pursuit. But they couldn't catch him!
Diamond Scene was a nostril ahead of Opportunistic to take second two lengths away, and First Encounter ran well for third, but they were all soundly beaten by the winner.
The remarkable Let's Galahvant was a $10,000 cheap yearling buy for Pearce Racing, from the draft of Rangeview Stud at Perth Magic Millions in 2020.
He is now a million dollar man, with a career record of 53 starts for 13 wins, 14 placings and $1,076,360 in stakes!
Let’s Galahvant was injured in the 2025 Perth Cup when he was sent to post as one of the main hopes, having finished a narrow second in the traditional lead up, the G2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes.
Patiently, the Pearce brothers have brought their stable warhorse back to form.
“He's been outstanding throughout his career. He's maintained it for such a long time” said co- trainer Ben after the race.
“Coming back from injury after the Perth Cup, he's done a fantastic job. My exact words on Tuesday when I got off him, I said, ‘this horse has gone to another level, I can't believe it!’
“He's just been so consistent. For the last three years, he's popped up and every prep he's ticked off a stakes race. He's a horse you would say is a once in a lifetime horse, that comes along and can just consistently earn every single prep.
“We were stoked last start to click over the million dollar mark with him and to get the win today was outstanding. It was a great ride from Tash too.”
Connections will now decide whether to aim at the Hannan's Handicap in Kalgoorlie in October, or set their evergreen warrior for one more tilt at the G1 Railway Stakes - in which he has previously finished just behind the placegetters - and Northerly Stakes later in the year.
Let's Galahvant is the best of four winners from six to race for the So Secret mare Secret Crush and all are by Galah. who covered Secret Crush in each of his six seasons at stud at Rangeview in Western Australia.
Purchased by Greg Adamo for $4,500 at the 2021 Inglis March (Early) Online Sale. Secret Crush is a half-sister to multiple listed winner Keyton Grace and dual listed winner Shock Value.
After enduring a difficult time where she lost three foals, Secret Crush has produced three fillies, one by Wandjina and two by Nicconi, in her new home at Tallinga Park Stud, Victoria.
Let's Galahvant is the lone stakes winner for the Redoute’s Choice stallion Galah, who last stood in WA in 2020 when he covered one mare.
The fifteen year old was purchased by Zhongli Thoroughbreds for stud duties in China, but the Covid pandemic struck and he was unable to be travelled.
Galah was offered on Inglis Digital in June 2024 and purchased by Gavin Hurley of Tarrington Stud in the Western Districts of Victoria for $4,500.
He served 12 mares in 2025 at a fee of $4,000.
Bred by Darley, Galah's best win was the G2 QTC Cup (1300m) and he also won the G3 Carbine Club at the famed Flemington mile among his five career victories. He was the only stakes winner from his dam, the G1 Australasian Oaks heroine Rinky Dink, and the only one of her nine foals to be sired by Redoute's Choice.
Rinky Dink ( Distorted Humor) produced stakes placed daughters Pygmy ( New Approach) who was runner up in a G1 QLD Oaks and Listed placed Miniature ( Exceed And Excel) a black type producer.
Galah progeny are renowned for toughness, racetrack durability and the beautiful kind temperament of their sire.
Galah stands at Tarrington Stud Victoria at a fee of $4,000.
