Major Roll was almost in a race of his own as he thumped his rivals to win the MIA Breeders Plate in record time on Friday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Stephen Maguire-trained gelding won by 18 metres, clocking a new two-year-old record with a mile rate of 1:58.3.
An emotional Maguire was thrilled to take out the most prestigious race in the Riverina.
The Mirrool horseman tasted success as a driver in 1996, but his win more two decades later was much sweeter.
“It is a great privilege to win his race,” Maguire said.
“It is a whole lot better this time.
“I only drove the other horse but I train this horse, own half of him with a good mate (Dave Hargrave) and that makes it all the better.”
The fastest of the two heat winners, Major Roll ($1.90 fav) overtook Petes Big Jim ($2.10) late in the betting, and an inside draw and better manners helped him find the front early.
The Cessnock visitor galloped at the notorious first turn while Major Roll skipped clear.
From there he was never headed.
The race was all but over with 400 metres to go as the son of Roll With Joe sprinted away.
Clocking at last quarter of a blistering 28.2 seconds, he cruised to the line to take a special victory with Heart Of Cooper ($11.50) in second.
Months out from the race, Maguire knew he had something special but was thrilled with his performance on the big night still surprised.
“He really went super,” he said.
