An unexpected strategic shift paved the way for a lucrative victory as boom colt Grafterburners stormed to success in the rich Magic Millions Sunlight Plate at the Gold Coast. The win marked a significant change of fortune for trainer Kelly Schweida and the horse's connections in the $3 million feature.
A Strategic Pivot Pays Off
Grafterburners, sent out as the $2.25 favourite, secured his place in the second running of the Magic Millions Sunlight 3yo Plate (1100m) via a slot owned by powerhouse trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Bloodstock specialist Bruce Slade orchestrated the deal to secure the promising colt for the coveted berth.
"All credit to Bruce," a delighted Schweida said post-race. He revealed the team had been planning a different path before the slot opportunity arose. "We were going to go to a different option before we got the slot. We were going to go to the Vo Rogue but this will do," Schweida admitted, clearly pleased with the change of plan.
McDonald Guides Grafterburners to Glory
With champion jockey James McDonald freshly returned from a riding stint in Hong Kong, Grafterburners faced a challenge in the straight but found a decisive run along the rail to claim victory. McDonald, who described the colt as 'outstanding', piloted the son of sprinter Graff to a one and a half length win over the Brad Widdup-trained Nashville Jack ($71). Sylph ($10) finished a half-length back in third.
The win was Grafterburners' sixth from just 12 career starts, and his future looks exceptionally bright. Schweida outlined lucrative options, noting the colt is "eligible for the million-dollar race that El Morzillo won down the Flemington straight but he's also eligible for a half-million dollar Jewel here for QTIS horses." He added with a smile, "That is hard to knock back."
Schweida's Day Gets Even Better
Earlier on the card, Schweida's remarkable day had already begun with a unique training double. His stable star, Miss Joelene ($2.70F), successfully defended her title in the $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave (1800m). The five-year-old mare had won the same race in 2025 when it was run at the Sunshine Coast due to a track poisoning incident.
Schweida confirmed the mare would back up quickly, targeting the Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) the following Saturday. "She's got a good back-up record," he said. "She ran third in that race last year after The Wave and she won after Ipswich Cup Day so she'll back up in the 2200."
Jockey Ceejay Graham, who retained the ride, was grateful for Schweida's faith. "I'm so thankful to Kelly for sticking with me. It would have been very tempting to put a big name on," Graham said. "It really means a lot to me to get an opportunity like this and she's just a star."
A Successful Gold Coast Showcase
The newly established Magic Millions Gold Raceday proved a major attraction, drawing a crowd of approximately 9000 people to the twilight meeting. With more than $7 million in total prize money on offer across the program, the event solidified its place as a premier summer racing carnival highlight.
The day belonged firmly to Kelly Schweida, who masterminded a lucrative double, headlined by Grafterburners' commanding performance in the day's richest race. The results set both horse and trainer up for a potentially huge autumn carnival.
