Entain secure Magnificent Storm for Nullarbor

Redemption is the theme of a renewed partnership between WA’s best harness racing pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) and wagering giant Entain.

Magnificent Storm raced in Entain’s Ladbrokes slot in the inaugural Nullarbor at Gloucester Park last April and was crunched into $1.70 favourite before finishing a desperately unlucky seventh to NSW raider Betterzippit.

Magnificent Storm’s managing owner Rob Tomlinson excitedly confirmed Entain has signed-on again for this year’s $1.25mil Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 19.

“Both parties feel like we’ve got some unfinished business,” Tomlinson said. “Entain were great to deal with last year and we were all disappointed we didn’t get a better result.

“There’s no point going back over last year, but we feel we’ve got a better and more seasoned horse than we did back then.

“Even though the Queensland trip we took him on during winter didn’t get the results we hoped, it’s been a win because he’s come back a better horse for it.”

Magnificent Storm has raced nine times at Gloucester Park since last year’s Nullarbor horror story for seven wins and two seconds.

That includes the biggest win of his career in the Group 1 WA Pacing Cup on November 10.

“We are thrilled Rob, trainer Ray Williams and the big team involved with Magnificent Storm have agreed to partner with us again,” Entain Australia CEO Dean Shannon said.

“We’ve enjoyed watching the horse flourish since things didn’t go right for him last year.

“They seem to have a strong plan in place heading towards this year’s race and we’re looking forward to April 19.”

Tomlinson said Magnificent Storm would resume in the $50,000 Pinjarra Cup on March 4.

“I went and saw him at Ray Williams’ place a few days ago and he looks the best he ever has. It was great to see him so well,” he said.

“Pinjarra Cup is the plan and then another two runs before the Nullarbor.

“There’s the Mount Eden Sprint, which is also at Pinjarra on March 18 and then the Bunbury Cup on March 30.

“That should have him right where we want him for the Nullarbor.”

Aiden De Campo will take the reins on Magnificent Storm when he returns.

De Campo replaced Aldo Cortopassi after last year’s Nullarbor and has driven the seven-year-old on eight occasions in WA for six wins and two seconds.

by Adam Hamilton, for RWWA