Sport
13 March, 2026
Warrnambool trainer wins Magic Millions SA
MURRAY Bridge again provided a stunning day’s racing action at Thomas Farms Racecourse for its two big Magic Millions Classics – both won by Victorian-based trainers.
But the winning trainers, Flemington-based Ben, Will and JD Hayes with Rich On Bubbles, and Warrnambool mentor Tom Dabernig in charge of Shadavar, can lay claims to being locals having strong South Australian links and until a few years ago were in a training partnership.
They are all members of the powerful Colin Hayes family - a South Australian and Australian icon.
Shadavar, in particular, simply was never out of first gear to take out the $122,250 three and four-year old classic over 1200m.
The hot pop was taken to the front from barrier one by Jacob Opperman, winning easily from Redders and Cash without a hint of worry.
Dabernig was thrilled with the win. “We went over there confident but you also can’t get too confident,’’ Dabernig said.
“She (Shadhavar) has a lot of upside. She keeps improving and doing her best. She has the same sire of Pride of Jenni but I am not saying she will be as good but there are good signs.
“We will look for a race back in Melbourne now but also Adelaide’s carnival could be on the cards. One of the owners, Joe O’Neill of Prime Thoroughbreds, has been a key part of the ownership and has been part of quite a few Magic Millions’ winning stories.
“I also want to say what a good job Jacob Opperman did with the horse, he has ridden a few times for us at Mount Gambier and is doing very well.’’
Rich On Bubbles was the other major classic winner, taking out the $202,250 race for two year olds (the richest race in SA for that age).
Brilliantly ridden by Kayla Crowther, the Hayes’ runner careered away to beat Cliff Runner and Lalor.
Crowther’s win brought up a double after a well-timed run earlier on the Phillip Stokes-trained Anahorish over 1400m.
Jake Toeroek enjoyed a good start to the program on board the Chris Bieg-trained Big Brute and for Morphettville trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly on I Am Piki in a Rating 62 over 1200m.
The Jolly combo also cheered on Star Sirius, ridden by Teagan Voorham, while Brooke King piloted Gold Spirit, trained at Strathalbyn by Grant Kluske, to a near all-the-way win over 1200m.
It was Kluske’s 100th win.
Kluske said it was nice to bring up the milestone.
“It was good, I was hoping it was going to be this race,’’ Kluske said.
“My first winner was Go Dreaming at Mindarie Halidon (September 14, 2014). We paid $9000 for him and was the first horse I ever trained.’’
Go Dreaming then won the 2015 Onkparinga and Port Adelaide cups and ran in the 2016 Caulfield Cup.
Angel Torque showed her love of the Bridge to win her fifth race from eight starts there, Alysha Warren riding a beauty for Bridge trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray.
The sentimental win of the day came in the last when former promising Royal Mile won its first race since April 24, 2021 – success for Bordertown trainer Jeff Searle and jockey Caitlin Jones.
Off the track the club excelled with its popular Grazing Trail where patrons enjoyed the best of food and wine for their raceday admission.
Other family-based activities catered for all ages.
Murray Bridge is now gearing up for its next raceday on Friday, April 10, where admission will be free.
