Racing
Grafterburners wins TAB Magic Millions Sunlight 3yo Plate: Post Race Trainer and Jockey Quotes
Trainer and jockey quotes after the TAB Magic Millions Sunlight 3yo Plate at the Gold Coast on Saturday taken out by Grafterburners.
Race Result:1st: Grafterburners (Kelly Schweida/James McDonald) - $2.25F2nd: Nashville Jack (Brad Widdup/Tyler Schiller) - $71
3rd: Sylph (Michael Freedman/Zac Lloyd) - $10
Winning Time: 1:02.22 Last 600m: 33.68
Margins: 1½L x ½L
"It is pretty good. I was tired but I might go home now and enjoy a stubbie.
"Bruce Slade did the deal. All credit to Bruce. 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.
"They were really good to deal with. We had about four attempts before we got the deal but they were great to deal with."
On the horse: "He freshened up. He sort of matured. The barrier (one) made it a big bonus and I'm very proud of him."
What's next: "He's 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. That is hard to knock back.
"Ceejay Graham will probably bounce back on him if he runs in the Jewel."
Winning Jockey: James McDonald
"He was outstanding. Credit to Kelly and his team. They turned him out immaculate. He was presented to win, he drew the good gate put himself in the box seat.
"He's a very good horse. It is a great carnival to be part of. Competitive fields. Nice to ride a beautiful colt."
Comments from Adrian Bott:
"We originally had North England in mind for this race but we didn't realise Henry Field had a slot at the time.
"Bruce Slade got to work in November. The local group of owners, Queensland racing, we secured the slot.
"He's in great form. Kelly was positive about the horse and he's prepared so well.
"It is a great race. The form out of the race will continue to get stronger each year and the sale is producing great graduates. This is open to all horses as well but the prize money is there and people will continue to prepare for this carnival each year."
