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.
More Racing News
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...