Historic Double for Gringotts in Million Dollar Race
The Illawarra Turf Club's premier spring racing event, The Gong, concluded another spectacular season at Kembla Grange racecourse, with gelding Gringotts creating history as the first-ever dual winner of the feature race. Trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by jockey Nash Rawiller, the six-year-old secured his second consecutive victory in the $1 million event, defying challenging track conditions to claim the top prize of $580,000.
Despite drawing poorly from the starting gates, Gringotts demonstrated why he entered the day as race favourite. Rawiller admitted to initial concerns after the first 100 metres, particularly given the heavy track conditions. "When I got to the outside so quick I thought, 'I've done the wrong thing here,'" Rawiller revealed trackside amid celebrations. "But I was confident I could stay pace. He's such a good horse, I really love him."
Local Heartbreak in Feature Sprint
The day's feature sprint race, The Warra, provided drama as local mare Sunrise fell just short of victory in the 1000m event. The favourite for the $170,000 first place prize faded on the straight, managing to secure third place instead - marking her first non-win at the distance.
Trainer Mitchell Beer remained philosophical about the result, acknowledging the challenging conditions. "She was gallant in defeat," Beer said. "We, much like everyone else today, could've done without the rain. She didn't love it, but credit to her, she still tried really hard and wasn't beaten far." Jared Fish of JJJ Racing echoed the sentiment, praising Sunrise's effort: "She tried her heart out. Everyone is really proud of her."
Female Jockeys Dominate Early Races
The day commenced with strong performances from female jockeys, setting the tone for an exciting race program. Super Nui claimed victory in race one, ridden by Louise Day and securing $55,000 for the 1400m win. Local trainer Theresa Bateup celebrated second place with Master Riley, ridden by Amy McLucas, expressing delight with the result despite missing top honours.
Race two saw Rachel King pilot Ron Holler to victory for trainer Donna Scott, though the event began unusually when Canberra-trained mare Buenos jumped a barricade into spectator areas before the race, requiring assessment and subsequent scratching.
Other notable results throughout the day included:
- Spywire's narrow victory over Hawker Hall in race three
- Weeping Woman's tight finish against Jellicious in race four
- Brave Call pipping favourites in the 2000m race five
- Local horse Smashing Time securing third in race six
The Gong race day attracted horses, owners, and jockeys from across Australia, combining elite racing with fashion and celebration, marking another successful conclusion to the Illawarra's spring racing calendar.
