Emotional win for Jumal

Emotions were high when the Steven Reid trained Jumal (Downbytheseaside) won today’s $100,000 Group One Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic at Ascot Park.

Jumal is named after owner Malcolm Wrigley and his late wife Judith.

“It was very special. That’s why I get so emotional,” said Wrigley who owns the gelding with Reid’s partner Bella Storer.

Wrigley watched the juvenile win from high up in the grandstand.

“I said to Steven ‘have you given Sam (driver Sam Ottley) any instructions’ and he said not really. He bloody knew she was going to the front (laughter).”

After leading early from his wide gate Ottley handed up to Freeze Frame and Carter Dalgety before she hopped out of the trail and took back the lead.

“The first bend I had to hold by breath. There were three of us running pretty fast there. He put one small step in but once I got him on the pegs he paced beautifully. I didn’t want to get in a war. I thought I’d just let Carter go and was sure he’d want to follow me. His one shied at something on the infield and I thought I wouldn’t wait any longer. I was confident when I got in front with him” Ottley said.

From there it was all Jumal and the impressive gelding went down to the line to win by three and a quarter lengths from Freeze Frame with filly Ideal Crown seven and a quarter lengths back in third.

“At the end he was just mucking around. In the end he just cruised down to the line.”

JUMAL REPLAY

With the winning out of the way, all that was left was for his nervous owner to head to ground level to receive the congratulations.

“When I was coming down the steps my legs were like jelly. Just as well Jo (daughter) was in front of me because I thought I was going to tip over,” Wrigley said.

Storer bought the then unnamed colt which was bred by SBSR’s Dave Kennedy on behalf of Wrigley from the 2024 Yearling Sales for $95,000 – well over his budget.

“That was only half the story. Silly me, I’m a businessperson and the penny never dropped. It was plus GST so it was over $110,000,” Wrigley said.

After the purchase Malcolm gifted Reid twenty per percent of the horse with the proviso he wouldn’t be charged any training fees for two years.

“He came to see me a month or two later and asked if he could give his share to Bella. I said ‘I don’t care as long as I don’t get a bill for two years (laughter).”

Jumar has now won all three of his starts and has gained the admiration of his driver.

“The first day I drove him I fell in love with him and I  love him more and more every time I drive him. There’s no bottom to this fella. At no time has he ever felt tired,” Ottley said.

The Group One success was Sam’s second. Her last was with Rocker Band at Cambridge in 2016.

“Group Ones are hard to get drives in so to get on a nice one and win is extra special.”

Reid says the talented juvenile will now go out for a spell.

“I made the call four or five days ago. I considered hanging around for the Welcome Stakes. I’ve always maintained he’s going to be better as a three year old.”

The winning time of 2-40.6 was just a second outside the race, track and New Zealand record of 2-39.6 held by 2021 winner You’re So Fine.

“When he goes round here on this track like that – he’s a serious horse.”

The win was Reid’s twelfth Group One success and the first with a two year old male pacer.

“Once you start winning them you really only want to win those ones. I said to someone the other day that he could be the best juvenile I’ve trained. Now he probably is.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink