Fangirl stars in Queen Of The Turf Stakes win
Fangirl justified her switch to the Queen Of The Turf Stakes with a rousing victory at Randwick, handing trainer Chris Waller yet another Group 1 win on the second day of The Championships.
While Waller celebrated a huge victory in the $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) with Via Sistina, Fangirl followed up soon after in the Queen Of The Turf (1600m), proving too strong under James McDonald for her fourth Group 1 triumph.
The win followed a strong campaign for Fangirl, who had previously beaten Via Sistina in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes before recording seconds in the Verry Elleegant and George Ryder Stakes.
Her latest Group 1 success came at the expense of the in-form Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica and was her first top-level win since the King Charles III Stakes last spring.
“Each preparation she just stands up and she’s counted,” Waller said.
“We took a step back today from the Queen Elizabeth but she’ll get her time in another 2000-metre race, I promise her that.
“Obviously today means so much. You’ve got to have horses winning, and the big races especially. We would have liked to have had a crack at the Queen Elizabeth but Via Sistina was flying and I didn’t want to break her heart.”
McDonald, who had earlier partnered Via Sistina to victory, said the Queen Of The Turf set-up suited Fangirl perfectly.
“She’s a great mare. I love her to bits,” McDonald said.
From a second-last position before the bend, McDonald steered Fangirl along the rails, where she surged with Atishu. Fangirl pulled ahead in the final stages as Stefi Magnetica arrived late out wide.
At $1.60, Fangirl prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Stefi Magnetica ($6.50), with Atishu ($9.50) finishing a nose back in third in her career finale ahead of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
“She was brave too,” Waller said of Atishu.
“It’s her last run today, Atishu, and she’s been an amazing horse.
“In the last three years she’s won this race, got beaten a nose last year and been beaten by Fangirl and the Doncaster winner this year.”
More Racing News
Magic Millions Fillies and Mares 2026 calling for Supercilious
Magic Millions ambitions are back on the table for Supercilious as she returns to the races at Caulfield Heath on Saturday. The Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin-trained mare will resume in the Magic Millions VIC 3YO & 4YO Classic (1200m), her first run since undergoing surgery to rectify a...
Shiki in top order to kickstart 2026 Magic Millions Classic campaign
Adrian Bott believes Shiki is in far better order now than when she claimed the Gimcrack Stakes, with the filly set to ramp up her Magic Millions preparation in Saturday’s TAB Plate (1000m) at Randwick. Shiki has freshened nicely since her debut win in October, returning from a brief paddock break...
Accredited ready to go in Queensland debut in 2025 Lough Neagh Stakes
Accredited is set for his first Queensland appearance as trainer Joe Pride looks to convert strong Sydney form into interstate success in the Listed Lough Neagh Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm. His only previous venture away from NSW produced a disappointing run at Sandown, but Pride believes circumstances were to blame. “It...
Stable newcomer kicks off at Caulfield Heath races
Belinda Dunn’s reputation for patiently rebuilding injured horses will be tested again when Enotis resumes at Caulfield Heath on Saturday. The former Hawkes Racing galloper has not raced since August last year but will kick off his campaign in the Magic Millions Digital Handicap (1500m). Dunn secured Enotis for $4500 at an...
Unit Five ready to go in the 2025 Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic
Unit Five will make his debut earlier than originally planned, with the Ciaron Maher stable electing to run the Supido colt in Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m) at Caulfield Heath following an impressive Cranbourne jump-out on Monday. National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull said the youngster’s physical maturity allows the...
Philosopher set to rebound at Caulfield
Turning Philosopher from a headstrong speedster into a more measured racehorse has required patience from Enver Jusufovic and his stable. The son of Zoustar arrived from the Anthony and Sam Freedman camp with one defining trait — explosive speed. Early in his career, Philosopher found it difficult to settle, often overracing and...
Stakes races kick-off for talented Samangu
Promising mare Samangu returns to racing on Saturday, and trainer Grahame Begg is already eyeing Stakes company later in the summer. Samangu resumes in the Sportsbet More Places Handicap (1000m) at Caulfield Heath, her first start since her March victory at the same track. The mare has won five of seven and...
Trainer not happy with Magic Millions programming in QLD
While most trainers are heading north toward the Gold Coast, Liam Birchley is travelling in the opposite direction as he attempts to get Gold Czech into the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. The Sunshine Coast horseman will saddle the debutant in Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic at Caulfield Heath, believing it...
Kosciuszko placegetter ready to Star at Randwick
Trainer Brett Robb will continue guiding the career of Gallant Star after the gelding’s ownership group firmly declared their intentions to keep him at Dubbo rather than move him to a city stable. Robb said his suggestion to shift the horse was purely practical due to the challenges of travelling to...
Savvy Hallie on a path to the 2026 Magic Millions Sunlight
Promising filly Savvy Hallie will launch her campaign in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight before being aimed toward Sydney’s autumn features. Trainer Brad Widdup confirmed she had secured a slot in the January 10 sprint, with her preparation already well-advanced following a soft trial at Warwick Farm. One more trial is...