Greenhalgh realises his race dream
IT’S taken 25 years of trying but Noel Greenhalgh has finally become a Magic Millions winner.
The part-owner of Tumultuous recorded his maiden victory at the $10 million race day when the four-year-old gelding beat Sedanzer by a nose in the $1 million Trophy (2200m) on Saturday at the Gold Coast Turf Club.
The Brisbane resident’s Broadbeach holiday home became the scene for celebrations through the night where he “went until I couldn’t fit any more in”.
Greenhalgh – who owns a 20 per cent share in the winner – has bought horses from the Magic Millions sales for 25 years but was yet to have any winners at the corresponding event before Tumultuous changed his fortunes.
“It’s been fantastic,” Greenhalgh said.
“Any win is always a great thrill but when they are running for that sort of money it is huge.
“The thrill of winning races is really hard to explain.”
Greenhalgh conceded Tumultuous had failed to live up to expectations before the weekend, with connections initially hoping the Chris Waller-trained horse was a Derby chance before thriving on a hot and dry track at the Gold Coast.
“You would have to call him a slightly disappointing horse on his previous form but he seems to just grow a leg on dry tracks,” Greenhalgh said.
“It was a patient ride from (jockey) Brenton (Avdulla) from back in the field.
“He has been racing on pace a bit previously so getting him back and settled helped.
“He had a superb found the gap.”
Greenhalgh is already on the hunt for another yearling. ride and