Champion trainer Chris Waller has joined an elite club after Birdman delivered his 200th Group 1 victory in the Doomben Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Only Tommy Smith and Bart Cummings have achieved more than 200 Group 1 wins, both finishing with 246.
Jockey James McDonald, who has ridden over 50 of Waller's Group 1 winners, described the trainer as a once-in-a-generation talent. “The man behind the operation, he is just an absolute master and it’s a privilege to be part of his team,” McDonald said.
Birdman ($3.30) stormed home to beat the free-bowling mare Pride Of Jenni ($1.95 fav) by 2-3/4 lengths, with Vauban a further three-quarters of a length back in third. Pride Of Jenni had opened a massive lead mid-race but tired in the straight, unable to repeat her Hollindale Stakes victory.
Waller paid tribute to Birdman's late owner Mark Timms, who died in March. “We lost a good friend, Mark Timms, six weeks ago. He was in the horse, and his wife Leah is here today. He was a beautiful man, so it’s a pretty touching win,” Waller said.
The win was Waller's 20th Group 1 of the season, breaking his own record, while McDonald equalled his best of 15 Group 1 wins in a season. Jockey Declan Bates said the windy conditions made it tough for Pride Of Jenni, while Caulfield and Melbourne Cups winner Half Yours finished fourth.
