News

Magnapal Lines Up For The Locals – Caulfield Cup

13th Oct 2015

Stawell-based trainer Terry O’Sullivan bought Caulfield Cup starter Magnapal (Magnus x Luxapal) as a yearling from the 2011 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $70,000. The gelding has since delivered over $380,000 in his four years on the track for his owners, and with a chance to add $1,750,000 and take his total prizemoney to more than $2 million on Saturday, O’Sullivan doesn’t regret going over his usual budget at the sale.

“I’m normally a 30-grand man, but I had an owner and the horse had an attractive pedigree. I also thought Magnus had a chance of making it as a stallion,” O’Sullivan said.

The six-year-old will be only the second Caulfield Cup runner for Terry O’Sullivan in over 40 years, who now trains in partnership with his daughter Karina from their base in Western Victoria.

“It’s a bit of a pipe dream but we’ve got over the first hurdle, he’s in the race. He’s a great walker and has a good attitude. He might be the best we’ve had.” O’Sullivan said.

By Victorian-based Magnus, and out of a mare that has a breeding record flush with local stallions, and owned by three proud Victorians, Magnapal is truly a product of this racing-centric state.

“Magnapal’s place in the Caulfield Cup is great news for Victorian breeders with his sire Magnus standing at Eliza Park International’s base in the Macedon Ranges,” said Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria Executive Officer Patrick Clancy.

“There are just the six Australian bred horses in the Caulfield Cup but of those, three are Victorian bred or sired including Magnapal. That is a great result and one which Victorian breeders focusing on staying types will be hoping to build on over coming years.” Clancy said.

Luke Currie partnered Magnapal to victory in his last three starts, for a second placing and three wins, one of which was in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes last month, securing his place in this Saturday’s line-up. However, it is yet to be determined if Currie will be aboard his charge this Saturday, due to the gelding being allocated only 50kg, just a touch under the 51kg Currie agreed he would ride.

What isn’t in doubt is how Magnapal continues to capture the imagination of a Victorian audience, and both their and O’Sullivan’s affections for Stawell’s new local hero.

“He’s a tough horse and he’s really got a good will to win. We’re absolutely rapt,” added O’Sullivan.