Karaka graduate Lucky Magic (NZ) (Mendelssohn) secured a place in Malaysian racing history on Sunday with a triumph in the inaugural RM$1m Selangor Mile (1600m).
The winner’s share of that seven-figure prize lifted Lucky Magic past RM660,000 in prize-money – the equivalent of more than NZ$260,000. He was a $35,000 purchase from Prima Park's Karaka 2022 draft, and was later knocked down for $75,000 when prepared in Prima Park's 2022 Ready to Run Sale draft.
Lucky Magic has been a star on the rise in recent months, winning seven of his last nine starts leading into the Selangor Mile, and it was all part of a long-range plan to peak on the day of Malaysia’s mega-rich feature for four-year-olds.
“I always knew Lucky Magic could win the Selangor Mile,” trainer HY Cheng said. “I promised the owner the win and I am just so happy my expectation is proven correct. He will many Cups, for sure.”
Lucky Magic was ridden by Ridzuan Shafiq and took up a handy position in fifth, one off the rail.
Shafiq angled him into clear air at the top of the straight and pushed the button. A brilliant turn of foot soon carried Lucky Magic into a clear lead at the 200-metre mark, and he found more in the final stages of the race to turn back a late challenge from Good Star (Shalaa) and win by a neck.
“I have ridden him five times this year and he is better than ever,” Shafiq said. “He is a fighter. Just when Good Star got to us, he fought back. He is now more mature and learning to relax in his races.”
Lucky Magic has now had a total of 13 starts for eight wins and two placings.
Sunday’s third placegetter Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) is also a Karaka graduate, having been bought by trainer Simon Dunderdale for $23,000 from the 2022 Ready to Run Sale. His 17-start career has produced 10 wins, six placings and more than RM450,000 (NZ$177,000).
The 2025 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Thursday 13 & Friday 14 November with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday 13 & Tuesday 14 October.
Entries for the Sale are open now and close at 5pm on Friday 1 August. To nominate your rising two-year-olds for the 2025 Ready to Run Sale, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz.
