Southport Tycoon’s (Written Tycoon) astonishing and dramatic surge in the final 100 metres to clinch the Gr.1 Manikato S. by a mere bob of a head capped off an unforgettable night for the Ciaron Maher stable.
Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon) grew wings on the straight to salute by a bob of the head in a thrilling Manikato S., making it a night to remember for the Ciaron Maher stable.
Star jockey Mark Zahra somehow made up 2.5l inside the final 75 metres of the Group 1 sprint over 1200 metres, to run down stablemate Growing Empire (Zoustar).
Bennett Racing purchased Southport Tycooon for $300,000 from Daandine Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and a jubilant Maher spoke about the shrewd purchase after the race.
“A month between runs, trial, he put the writing on the board in the trial – his sectionals were phenomenal late,” Maher said.
“I thought Mark (Zahra) was the perfect jockey for him because you had to have that nice waiting ride.”
Written Tycoon‘s 4-year-old son, still an entire, showcased brilliance on Friday night, with Zahra once again demonstrating his outstanding horsemanship.
“I just rode him for luck… Geez, he gave such a good chase,” he said.
“Me and Ciaron were quietly confident – he was going really well, and I didn’t even have a chance to pull the whip I was coming through that quick.
“I just got the shine at the right time.”
