Mr Brightside returns to winning ways with Champions Mile victory
Mr Brightside ($5) has bounced back to form in the Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington, recording his eighth victory at the top level for Ben, Will & JD Hayes.
After finishing fourth in the Group 1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley last start, the son of Bullbars dropped back to 1600m, a distance that he has won at 12 times from 20 attempts, and it paid dividends for connections.
With the blinkers being applied for the first time this preparation, there were some fears that Mr Brightside would jump slowly, but Craig Williams got him to jump perfectly, and they were the first to leave the gates.
Pride Of Jenni ($4.60) and Broadsiding ($8) worked across the field from wide barrier to settle at the front, while stablemates My Oberon ($14) and Amelia’s Jewel ($10) took a sit behind them.
As the field hit the 600m mark, the leaders tried to kick clear, but they didn’t have much left in the tank, leaving Amelia’s Jewel in front at the top of the straight.
The market fancies, Fangirl ($4.80), Antino ($8.50) and Mr Brightside started their runs and along with Stefi Magnetica ($13), they swamped the leader at the 200m pole.
Williams pushed the eventual winner through on the inside of the pack, and he took over from Antino in the final 50m to draw clear and claim a stirring win.
2024 Champions Mile replay – Mr Brightside
Will Hayes represented the winning stable in the post-race interview.
“It’s quite emotional to be honest,” Hayes said.
“He really is our flag bearer. We owe this horse everything.
“He started our momentum as a stable and really generated a lot of hype for us and the way he’s raced today, it was heart-in-your- mouth stuff.
“We took a risk and put the blinkers on, back in trip, it was suitable and Craig rode him terrifically.
“We just needed the split and when he took it, he did what champions do and savaged the line.
“The old man in Hong Kong suggested it (putting the blinkers on), but it’s a team effort and Mr. Brightside represents our team so well.
“It’s such a credit to all our staff across all our locations and to get the win today is just absolutely something special and really something to hang a hat on for the spring.
“He’s just consistent. He always puts up and he’s honest.
“So we’re very lucky to be putting a saddle on him every time he goes around, because he’s always going to put up his best.”
Craig Williams also spoke about the victory.
”It’s one of those pinch yourself moments to be a part of this horse,” Williams said.
“His third ever career race start and it’s been an amazing journey with him.
“It’s the development of him. Credit has to go to the training partnership with the Hayes boys because Mr. Brightside wasn’ t this horse when he started out.
“They developed him, they gained his confidence, he got stronger, he got better, he believed in himself and now he’s this type of horse.
“Even his Cox Plate performance was better than when he just got beaten narrowly the year before on times.
“It was great for him to get another Group 1 this preparation because they’re not easy, they’re amazing horses, but, and so it gives me nothing but another great thrill.
“I saw Mark out wide and Antino’s a good horse.
“The only concern I had was after I gained it and he was going, hopefully, he got to see the competition, but he had nothing else in his mind that I’m going as fast as I can to that winning post.
“Through his longevity, he’s decelerating a lot slower than all those other top horses, so that’s where he’s so remarkable at his age.
“He’s the horse that I’ve won the most races on.
“I’ve been really lucky in my career and very lucky to have horses like him and Bella Nipotina, but, you know, they line up every day, we demand and ask them to be the best horse they can be against the best opposition and luckily for me, they are usually.
“I’m very, very grateful and lucky.”
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