Trainer Greg Hickman and jockey Corey Brown combined for the biggest payday in Queensland racing history at the Gold Coast on Saturday when Pierata (Pierro-November Flight) justified his short quote to win the $2m, Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m).
The three-year-old picked up $1.2 million for his devastating win on Saturday and an additional $500,000 bonus for claiming Racing Queensland’s Summer Crown after feature wins at Doomben last month.
Saturday’s Guineas victory came courtesy of a brilliant ride from Corey Brown who, after settling in a three back position on the fence, plotted an inside path to victory over the final 200m of the race.
The colt, sent out a $2.70 tote favourite by punters, scored by nearly two lengths on the line from a gallant Goodfella (Snitzel-Movie), with Calculated (So You Think-Calchris) a further length away in third.
The time was 1.21.02 on the Good 3 track with the final 600m in 35.07. Pierata paid $2.80 on fixed odds.
Pierata and Corey Brown, picture Stevehart.com
Hickman, who paid $160,000 for the son of Pierro at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, was both delighted and relieved with the victory and predicted further improvement from Pierata over the coming 12 months.
“It is everything,” the Warwick Farm horseman said.
“It is such an achievement to be able to do this, we have been up here for eight weeks and the horse has not put a foot wrong.
“Corey has got a big opinion of him, he has stuck with him for four runs and he has justified everyone's faith in him today.
“He will improve again, next preparation you will see a nicer horse again, that is the scary thing about it, he is just got so much improvement,” he said.
The win continued an incredible season for the reigning Melbourne Cup-winning jockey who said he was thrilled to claim a second Magic Millions Guineas, more than a decade after piloting Tippitaka to victory in 2005.
“He jumped really well and I could have box seated him but I think he is a better horse when you ride him a little bit quieter and his turn of foot is unbelievable,” Brown said.
“The heavens opened upon straightening and it just allowed him the dream run through.
“I do not mind a bit of pressure, especially when you are riding good horses like this.”
Pierata is owned by a large syndicate including Hickman and Mr R W Wilson, Mr R J Coleman, Mr W S Clegg, Dr G A Clegg, Mrs C E Clegg, Mr A A Gianesi, Mr A Merritt, Mr K B Ayton, Mr B R Turton, Mr M T Mathews, Mr C J Testa, Mr V Sikais, Steelies Racing, Mr T R Bonello, Mr J Zammit, Mr M Aurisch, Mr A P Carney and Miss T A Powers.
