Mack Hall and punters blown away by epic upset win
After a disappointing start for Mack Hall at Narrogin, the five-year-old mare pulled off a stunning upset at odds of 200 to 1, delivering one of the biggest surprises in Perth racing in recent memory.
Punters were left in shock as Queen’s Sacrifice pipped the favorite, Come On Emma, by the narrowest of margins, rubbing salt into their wounds.
Guided by jockey Keshaw Dhurun, Queen’s Sacrifice stayed off the pace before making a late charge in the home stretch, squeezing through the field to win by a nose in a thrilling finish.
This victory marked Hall’s first metropolitan win of the season, a milestone he’ll treasure, even if others would rather forget the race.
Now in his third year as a full-time trainer, Hall was over the moon with the win, though he admitted he had little confidence beforehand.
“To be honest, I almost scratched her,” Hall said.
“I thought we were no hope in this race.
“I was looking at going to Geraldton next week or something.
“I thought she’s got to go around today (Wednesday) and I’m glad I changed my mind.
“She got the world perfect run, and it worked out perfectly.”
Hall’s only regret was not betting on the 200 to 1 odds, but he didn’t let that spoil his joy.
“I didn’t have one cent,” Hall said.
“I backed it in the top six market at $6.50 and that was about it.”
Queen’s Sacrifice, who had previously trained under Dion Luciani and Luke Fernie, joined Hall after a stint in Geraldton, where she won her only race for Ron Cowl Jnr last February.
Despite finishing eighth in her debut for Hall at Narrogin, he believed the run had some redeeming qualities.
“She had a few excuses,” Hall said.
“She sat wide, got back and never got into the race.
“It was just a write off, but drawing a gate today (Wednesday) was the key to turning her form around.”
When asked how he planned to celebrate, Hall replied:
“I’ll be having a few beers for sure,” Hall said.
Queen’s Sacrifice paid out $236.20 and $39.30 with online betting sites and boosted the quaddie to an impressive $161,195.90.
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