Fastnet Filly Wins Magic Millions

The $2million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast on Saturday was won by brilliant filly Driefontein (2f Fastnet Rock x Follow Gold, by Export Price), who maintained her unbeaten status with a controversial protest win. Originally a close second past the past, Driefontein's record remained unblemished when she was awarded the victory after a protest hearing against the first past the post No Looking Back. Australian racing's first lady, Hall of Fame horsewoman Gai Waterhouse, was always going to win Queensland's richest race having prepared both the first and second runners past the post. Stewards deliberated for around 15 minutes before finding in favour of Driefontein, who was ridden by Tommy Berry. The result was yet another feather in the cap for one of the Magic Millions' biggest fans, Gai Waterhouse. "Unbelievable that was a lot of fun," Waterhouse exclaimed prior to the protest hearing in the moments after the race. "Two very well bred horses, one by Redoute's Choice and one by Fastnet Rock they were literally flying out of the turf. "It was fabulous fun I thought I was riding them myself. "They'll both head to the Slipper - they could well be wearing one each - it will be just like Cinderella.” At the presentation Waterhouse thanked organisers and stable staff for all playing their roles in a memorable day. "This is what racing is about. These owners around me - you don't have to have a lot of money to get involved,” Waterhouse said. "You couldn't do this in America or England and certainly not Russia or China - we're very lucky and this is what it is all about." A $75,000 purchase for Star Thoroughbreds from the Widden Stud draft, Driefontein has won three from three and has amassed prizemoney of $1,298,000. Like Group I VRC Oaks winner Mosheen who is also by Fastnet Rock, Driefontein was bred by Bylong Park Thoroughbreds and is one of five winners for slick stakes-winner Follow Gold, a sister to another speedy juvenile stakes-winner in Export Gold. Driefontein’s win will propel her sire Fastnet Rock to the top of the Australian General Sires List by earnings in a week when his progeny have also been in hot demand at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale selling for up to $960,000.