Jonker trumps for pack

ANY disappointment Gary Mcpherson had from missing his initial target at last year’s Magic Millions sales has become a distant memory thanks to the feats of Jonker.

It was only when the preferred yearling went above their strict budget that Paradise Waters resident Mcpherson, his neighbour Taisen Maddern and friends Doug Crich and Doug Crane snapped up the progeny of Spirit of Boom for just $45,000 in 2017.

Mcpherson said the first horse had done little, while

OWNER GARY MCPHERSON

they stand on the cusp of a lifechanging win in the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Jonker – one of the favourites at $4.60 – on Saturday.

“We talked about buying a horse when we had a game of golf last year (and) said let’s have a look at something,” Mcpherson said.

“Doug Crich came to the sales and had a bit of a look around. We missed one of the horses that we wanted, which was good as it went for too much. We had a budget and it wasn’t high and we ended up getting Jonker.

“We all chipped in and it’s been one of those things. We have been blessed and very lucky.”

The four knockabout mates have all had shares in horses before except Maddern, who has struck gold in his first venture into horse ownership.

They have each had varied success in the past with runners but Mcpherson said Jonker was already by far the best he has had, with the filly already recording $145,460 in prizemoney from two races.

“This is probably our best,” Mcpherson said. “It has been a great journey for us.”

Mcpherson said the group was excited by Jonker’s debut win at the Max Lees Classic (900m) at trainer David Atkins’ home track at Newcastle.

But it was his second win in the Wyong Magic millions 2YO Classic (1100m) last month that showed the owners they were on to a good thing.

“You never know what the next step is with a two-yearold,” Mcpherson said. “We thought we had something pretty special after that Wyong win.”

Mcpherson said it was thrilling to have one of the favourites for the 2YO Classic at Aquis Park, as he dreamt of winning a major race in his home city with what is likely to be his last horse.

“Being a local for me it would be a great thing,” Mcpherson said.

“It will never happen to me again. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are just going to enjoy it and take it for what it is. I think it could be my last horse, I have been blessed.”

While Mcpherson hoped for the best outcome, he said the laid-back group of owners were happy for fate to run its course over the 1200m race.

“It’s very exciting but we are all pretty calm about it,” Mcpherson said.

“We are four pretty realistic guys and don’t expect too much.”

WE MISSED ONE OF THE HORSES THAT WE WANTED WHICH WAS GOOD AS IT WENT FOR TOO MUCH. WE HAD A BUDGET AND IT WASN’T HIGH AND WE ENDED UP GETTING JONKER.