Dawson Stud graduates completed an international double last week with Sterling Wongchoy (Hong Kong) on Wednesday and Magic Will Reign (Kalgoorlie) on Sunday.
Sterling Wongchoy was sold by Dawson Stud (as agent) for $70,000 at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions and his earnings this season rose to the equivalent of AUD170,000 following a two-length victory in the D’aguilar Hcp (1600m) at Happy Valley.
Bred by Jason Cheetham, the grey gelding was initially registered as Colorcodedcas and won a Morphettville barrier trial for Richard & Chantelle Jolly before transferring off-shore to clients of trainer Dougie Whyte.
Sterling Wongchoy was ridden for the first time by Hugh Bowman on Wednesday evening and he handed up the lead to the favourite Verbier (Toronado) before taking a sit and then reclaiming the lead at the furlong.
Stewards reported Sterling Wongchoy sustained a wound to the near-hind fetlock in running and Whyte was quick to credit Bowman back in the enclosure. “He got a 10 out of 10 ride from Hughie. He followed the right horse and it would have been disappointing if he hadn’t won.
“I also have to thank the owner Lester Kwok because he’s been very patient with this horse.”
By former Taunton Vale resident Demerit, he’s the final foal of Native Silver (Metal Storm) whose earlier winners included Brett Pope’s black-type galloper Sunset Superman (Cape North). Her older sister Georgia’s Storm foaled G3 WA Oaks winner Pop Culture (Blackfriars).
Magic Will Reign (8g Magic Albert – Tantra Dancer by Hideyoshi) was bred and sold by Graham Daws for $25,000 at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions and Sunday’s victory in the Boulder Parts Hcp (1760m) took his career earnings to $241,000 including Westspeed Bonuses of $46,850.
It was his 8th win in the Goldfields for Adam Durrant, Peter Fernie and current trainer Trevor Tasker who prepares the veteran for his wife Linda. He broke through in a maiden to open Kal Cup Day in 2019 and one of six winners from Tantra Dancer who the LR Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m) at Ascot in 2003.