Magnificent overflow of emotions in $50,000 Bunbury Cup

One of the greatest things about harness racing is the emotions it stirs.

The best of those emotions was on full display in the moments after remarkable comeback pacer Magnificent Storm (American Ideal) won a fantastic Bunbury Cup last night.

It was only the eight-year-old’s second start back from injury that sidelined for more than 15 months.

And it came in a race Magnificent Storm was beaten in at his prime two years ago.

His passionate managing owner Robbie Tomlinson was literally wiping away tears as he spoke with Matt Young in a post-race interview.

“I feel amazing and just feel so happy for Ray (Williams, trainer) and all the owners,” he said.

“He is an amazing horse, if you knew what he’d been through to get to this point, you wouldn’t believe it.”

The win followed a fantastic first-up third in record-smashing time behind Sangue Reale and Minstrel in the Mount Eden Sprint at Pinjarra on March 17. That was his first run since a Gloucester Park win on December 1, 2023.

It also came just days after Tomlinson locked-in Magnificent Storm for his Regency Food slot in the $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 25.

Of course, Tomlinson’s slot won the Nullarbor last year when it teamed with the Andy Gath-trained Catch A Watch.

But, as Tomlinson said last week: “Magnificent Storm is why we bought the slot, it means so much to have him run in it.”

Magnificent Storm also has unfinished Nullarbor after being beaten as a hot favourite in the inaugural running in 2023.

His comeback is testament to Williams, who has nursed him back for one last big campaign and the signs are great.

Driver Aiden De Campo worked Magnificent Storm forward to find the lead last night, but it didn’t take long for Gary Hall Jr to move around to pour the pressure on with boom pacer Mister Smartee.

They scorched a 54.9sec middle half, but to the surprise of many it was Mister Smartee who felt the pinch first and was beaten on the home bend.

While he tired to finish a fighting fifth, Magnificent Storm dug deep to fend-off Otis along the inside and Waverider down the outside.

“They were coming from everywhere, but I knew he would dig in, I know the heart he’s got,” Tomlinson said.

“He was magnificent tonight, he’ll take huge benefit from that again and when he backs up next time I think he’ll be plumb for the Nullarbor – we’re really looking forward to it.”

Magnificent Storm’s win was his 37th from just 60 starts and he’s banked over $1.14  million.

His resurgence adds another layer to what is already by far the strongest Nullarbor.

Dual NZ Cup and Hunter Cup hero Swayzee headlines the field, along with Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile winner Don Hugo.

Catch A Wave, who won brilliantly at Geelong last Friday night, will be back to defend his crown.

While Magnificent Storm joins Minstrel and Mister Smartee as the top local chances.

For complete race results, click here.

by Adam Hamilton,  for Harness Racing Australia