SUNLIGHT BURNS BRIGHT FOR FUNGS
THE timing of Sunlight’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic win couldn’t have been better as far as Aquis Australia CEO Shane McGrath is concerned.
Just over two years since Hong Kong’s Tony Fung bought the Canungra facility with the intention of developing it into a resort, the company that has shares in Sunlight through Mr Fung’s wife Loretta has won the $2 million race at the Gold Coast Turf Club where it is the naming rights sponsor.
Sunlight entered the race as the $3.90 favourite and overcame a collision with Ef Troop at the 200m mark to win by two lengths to Fullazaboot and Outback Barbie at Aquis Park.
“I was a bit worried at the 200m mark and then once she found that second gear it was all over,” McGrath said.
“Timing is everything, isn’t it. We got the track, got the winner and everyone is happy. That is what it’s all about.”
Loretta Fung had shares in two horses in the race with the other, Secret Lady, finishing sixth. She is one of eight women who have shares in the horse, meaning they pocketed an extra $325,000 thanks to the women’s bonus on offer.
That’s on top of the
$1.2 million first prize.
“These women have been supporting this initiative since we started in 2012 so they deserve this,” Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page said. “A lot of them are racing royalty and put everything into it.”
McEvoy, who bought Sunlight’s sister at the sales last week for $600,000, said his filly handled the hot conditions after two previous runs at the track.
“She has acclimatised, handled the heat really well, she has got a great composure and that preparation of running last week when the high pressure was on, she lifted very strong late and she is a star filly.”