Maajida provides perfect way to finish year

Maajida finished off another big season in perfect fashion.

The reigning Australian two-year-old filly capped off another strong season by defending her Vicbred Super Series title at Melton last week.

Bred and owned at The Rock by Les Johnson and his sons Ian, Gary and Steve, Maajida put in a tough effort to win her first group one of her three-year-old season.

After finishing down the track in the Victoria Oaks Final, Maajida was third in the NSW Oaks Final in February before COVID-19 saw the racing season extended.

She then missed a place in the Breeders Crown final after finishing eighth in the semi-final as a $2.10 favourite.

However she responded to take out the group three Breeders Crown Silver before three more wins in the Vicbred Super Series.

Ian Johnson was thrilled with how she raced throughout the Vicbred Series.

"We were really pleased," Johnson said.

"We had a bit of a hiccup in the Breeders Crown but she's finished off really strong.

"It was unfortunate it was in a group one series but she is back to her best."

Maajida ($2.40 fav) worked around the field from her second row draw to sit without cover.

However she still proved too good for Its Beaujolais ($9.50), winning by a neck.

Trained by Emma Stewart and driven by Greg Sugars, Maajida has now won 17 of her 23 starts, including three at group one level, and won just over $450,000 in prizemoney.

It's been a dream run for the family, who were able to have plenty of supporters at Melton on New Year's Eve.

"We were quite lucky as all the family got down to see her on New Year's Eve," Johnson said.

"To kick off the new year in that fashion is really pleasing."

However the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere wasn't the only horse they were cheering on.

The family also bred and own Two Times Bettor, who finished second in the four-year-old mares group one final.

It just added to the occasion.

"Another thing we're proud of is our second homebred filly Two Times Bettor ran second in the group four-year-old mares ran second," Johnson said.

"It capped off just a great night."

Two Times Bettor, who is approaching $200,000 in career earnings, finished 16.6 metres behind multiple group one winner Our Princess Tiffany.

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