Rich rewards out of a bargain buy
A HORSE bought for $9000 by trainer Tony McMahon could take her career prizemoney through the $400,000 barrier at the Gold Coast today.
The Rockhampton trainer will look to secure the biggest win of Paradis Imperial’s career when the $11 chance runs in the QTIS 3YO Jewel (1200m) at Aquis Park, located across the road from where McMahon first spotted her two years ago.
A win could land the winner $76,250, a handy purse for Paradis Imperial who has already pocketed $348,250.
McMahon, 66, said it had been a phenomenal ride for a filly who won more twoyear-old races (seven) than
any other horse in Australia last season.
Not bad for a budget buy he was drawn to because of her eating habits.
“The ride has been phenomenal,” the former Gold Coast handicapper and racecaller said.
“I come down every year for the Magic Millions March yearling sales and I liked her first-season sire Instinction.
“Each time I went around there over a couple of days she was eating.
“I thought it was a great sign because there were about 400 horses there and she was only a yearling away from her normal environment. That indicated to me she was pretty tough.
“It’s been a great thrill and she has broken so many records up north it isn’t funny. She is very tenacious, tough and honest.”
McMahon may have been drawn in by the sire but it is the dam Hennessy Beau who inspired the filly’s name.
McMahon’s wife Jean, who owns 50 per cent of Paradis Imperial while the rest is split between friends, recognised Hennessy’s link to cognac and named the filly after the high-end brand Hennessy Paradis Imperial.
For all of Paradis Imperial’s wins, McMahon joked they may still steer clear of celebrating a victory by drinking some of the expensive alcohol she was named after.
About $145,000 of Paradis Imperial’s winnings have come from QTIS bonuses, a scheme set up as an incentive for owners and trainers to buy and race horses in Queensland.
“The bonus system has been incredible and provides a great incentive to buy,” McMahon said.
Paradis Imperial’s consistency has resulted in the filly being slugged with up to 64kg but she will carry 55kg today with talented hoop Robbie Fradd on her back.
McMahon said he rarely galloped the filly who famously trains beside a car and believes his horse can’t be discounted today.