Playing God was the big winner as Magic Millions graduates cleaned up at the WAROA/Perth Racing Horse of the Year Awards on Saturday night.
Playing God is trained by Neville Parnham for owner Colin Loxton. After the son of Blackfriars was named Horse of the Year, Loxton donated $50,000 to the Red Kite charity. He also donated $50,000 last year.
Parnham, who was recognised at the function for his 13th trainers’ premiership, said Playing God was being aimed at the Cox Plate. He needs less than $17,000 to pass the million dollar mark in earnings.
Playing God also beat out WA Oaks – Derby winner Dreamaway to win the Champion 3YO award. He won five races including a milestone victory in the G1 Kingston Town Classic. He had earlier on won the LR Aquanita Stakes, G2 WA Guineas and Magic Millions Perth 3YO Trophy.
Sent to Melbourne, he ran an unlucky third in the Australian Guineas before backing up a week later for a brilliant third against older rivals in the Australian Cup to Shocking and Linton.
Playing God was a $27,000 purchase from Durham Lodge at the 2009 Perth Magic Millions.
Outstanding youngster Night War was crowned WA’s Champion 2YO. The daughter of General Nediym raced on just four occasions for Ascot trainer Simon Miller and notched two wins and a second placing and earnings of over $378,000.
Raced by former AFL star Peter Bell and Ray Meadowcroft, Night War was bred by Gerry Harvey and sold through Baramul Stud for $90,000 at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions.
Famous Roman rounded out a clean sweep for Magic Millions graduates when he was crowned the State’s Champion 4yo+ racehorse. A $121,000 HIT Sale purchase by Danetime, Famous Roman earned over $725,000 for owner Sam Trimboli.
During the Perth Summer Carnival last year, Famous Roman won the Listed Northerly Stakes and the G2 Lee Steere Stakes and was second in the G1 Railway Stakes to Eastern States galloper Gathering.
Famous Roman was retired in May and will stand his first season at Cromartry Park for $4,400.