Goldrush Guru hits paydirt in 2024 Victoria Derby
Jamie Kah rounded out one of the most eventful days in her decorated career with victory in Saturday’s Victoria Derby at Flemington aboard Goldrush Guru.
The star rider won the $2 million Group 1 for the first time just over an hour after her participation in the second half of the day was brought into question when stood down by the club doctor after being head-butted by Hurry Curry prior to the running of the Wakeful Stakes.
Kah earlier scored an emotional win aboard Another Wil, whose owner Colin McKenna died last weekend, while she also incurred a 10-meeting suspension for causing interference aboard Kuroyanagi in Race 2.
Kah was cleared to resume commitments after the Wakeful and became the second female jockey to win Australia’s oldest Classic, following in the footsteps of Clare Lindop, who won aboard $101 shot Rebel Raider in 2008.
Rebel Raider was trained by Leon Macdonald, the former training partner and father-in-law of this year’s winning trainer Andrew Gluyas.
“It means everything to us,” Kah said.
“Obviously we love riding Group 1 winners, but it just makes it so much more special when it’s for some fantastic people like Andrew.
“I used to ride for Andrew and Leon – I rode some shockers back in the day for them – so it was nice to repay them on the big stage on Derby Day.”
Goldrush Guru ($8), who enjoyed a lovely run in the one-out, one-back position took control early in the straight and powered home to defeat Scary ($41) by 1-1/2 lengths with China Sea ($11) third.
Gluyas has had a connection with Goldrush Guru’s family for generations, with the colt a relation to former Macdonald-trained star Gold Guru, and he was thrilled to celebrate his biggest win in racing on arguably the biggest on the calendar.
“We often talk about Derbies, Leon won the SA Derby with French Cotton and that’s the name for the French Cotton Lodge at home,” he said.
“We had a great run of horses running in the Derby and Gold Guru won the AJC Derby. Rebel Raider then stood up in ’08 and won the VRC Derby and then won our (SA) Derby.
“We had a few near misses with Hydrometer. It’s folklore.
“When we prepare them and you get a good result like this, it’s great that we can talk about Goldrush Guru again.”
Goldrush Guru provided American Pharoah with back-to-back wins in the Victoria Derby following the win of Riff Rocket last year in what was the fourth win of his eight-start career.
El Castello, the $3.90 betting sites favourite who was striving to complete the Spring Champion Stakes double, went back from his outside barrier and worked home well to finish fifth, beaten 2-3/4 lengths, without ever looking a winning hope.
More Racing News
Pinstriped primed for G1 CF Orr Stakes assault
Trainer Enver Jusufovic was pleased with Pinstriped’s performance during a Cranbourne barrier trial as the gelding builds up for a Group 1 comeback at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to compete in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) this Saturday. The race has drawn 13 contenders, including Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk,...
North England serves notice to G1 Golden Slipper rivals
North England delivered a timely reminder of his Golden Slipper credentials with a commanding trial win over some leading contenders at Rosehill on Monday morning. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showcased his speed, leaving rivals Bel Merci and Pallaton in his wake during the 900-metre workout. North England jumped...
Caulfield hit-out for Schwarz in CF Orr Stakes
Trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have had a long-range goal in place for Schwarz to win a Group 1 race and stamp his potential future as a sire. Right from the start of Schwarz’s four-year-old season, the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) has been the target contest for the...
J Mac to ride Rivellino in the 2025 Inglis Millennium
James McDonald has been confirmed to ride debutant winner Rivellino in the $2 million Inglis Millennium, a decision trainer Kris Lees believes adds significant confidence to their chances. Although stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond guided the colt to victory in his only start, a two-year-old maiden in January, McDonald took the reins...
EJ looking forward to Pinstriped return in the CF Orr Stakes
Trainer Enver Jusufovic is preparing his Group 1 winner Pinstriped for a trial at Cranbourne ahead of his racing return at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to resume in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and will trial over 800m at Cranbourne on Monday. The trial, scheduled for 7am, is...
Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes
Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...
She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes
Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...
Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention
Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...
Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes
Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...
Jamie Melham getting used to new name
New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...