Jamie Melham fulfils Group 1 dream for late owner Col McKenna as Another Wil stuns Mr Brightside in CF Orr Stakes

Jamie Melham had her wish come true when Another Wil won the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes for late owner Colin McKenna, days after what would have been his 75th birthday.

Jamie Kah combines with Another Wil to win the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield and (inset) hugs Janice McKenna, the wife of late owner Colin McKenna. Picture: Racing Photos/Getty Images

A dream became reality for star jockey Jamie Melham as humble homebred-turned-Group 1 winner Another Wil secured an emotion-charged triumph in the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield.

Another Wil, owned and bred by the late racing identity Colin McKenna, finished over the top of champion Mr Brightside in the 1400m feature on Saturday.

Melham was particularly close to friends and mentors McKenna and wife Janice and only every wanted to win a Group 1 for them.

While unable to do so before McKenna lost a short battle with illness last year, Melham achieved the feat on Saturday with Janice trackside at Caulfield.

“I thought about this day, I dreamed about it the last few days, but it’s amazing that things like this happen in racing,” Melham said.

“There’s a God in racing … this horse has deserved it for so many starts, but to do it for Col after his birthday on Tuesday is just amazing.

“I know he’s watching down on us and Another Wil lifted for his dad. That was amazing.”

Another Wil wins the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes!!!

Congratulations to all involved 👏@[e-mail]/SYT6kFQv8T

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) February 8, 2025

Melham steeled herself to win a Group 2 with Another Wil at Flemington last November – just days after McKenna died.

The pair were denied in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last year.

Another Wil and Melham combined to go one better on Saturday.

• What the jockeys said: 2025 CF Orr Stakes

“I thought at the 200 (m) he’s going to run another terrific second in a Group 1, but as soon as I switched the whip it’s just like he just picked up,” Melham said.

“He did that at Flemington, he hits a bit of a flat spot and doesn’t really (go) and you think he’s going to run a nice race, but then he just finds another leg. That was an amazing win.

“I don’t think I’m talking sense right now, this is just gibberish, but Col that’s for you.

“We love you.”

The McKennas marked Colin’s heavenly 75th birthday last Tuesday.

The Group 1 triumph finished the week “right”.

Another Wil claims Mr Brightside in the final strides. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“We knew he could win a Group 1, when it was going to happen we didn’t know,” Janice McKenna said.

“I thought is he going to beat Mr Brightside today? Is Schwarz going to win? But if he was going to win a Group 1 it was today, it had to be today.

“If he was here he’d be bawling, it’s really hard I have to control it.

“It’s just perfect. He would’ve been 75 on Tuesday and this has finished the week right.”

Champion trainer Ciaron Maher, whose career started with help from McKenna, cherished the moment on Saturday.

“It’s beautiful. I think it’s the first one that Col and Janice bred, so to win a Group 1 is very, very special … Colin always loved this horse in particular.

“I’ve resisted the temptation to take him to that top level because he’s needed time to mature and Col was always very patient and it’s probably not fitting that he can’t be here.

“He just would have been so thrilled, but I’m pretty proud and he’s just such a great mentor and friend and supporter. It’s just beautiful.”

Jamie Melham with trainer Ciaron Maher and Another Wil after the win. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Schwarz led but faded after being headed by Mr Brightside at the top of the straight.

Champion jockey Craig Williams praised Mr Brightside despite the narrow defeat.

“So proud of his performance. There’s no hiding spots for him,” Williams said.

“We drew a wide gate. We used a bit of petrol to get a really nice run.

“He enjoyed the speed, he was tough and I think we got beaten by a really good horse today.

“He had a few more favours than us today and some divine intervention with Colin McKenna upstairs.

“I’m proud of him and he’s got more to come to as he was first-up but I was so proud of his performance today.”

Originally published as Jamie Melham fulfils Group 1 dream for late owner Col McKenna as Another Wil stuns Mr Brightside in CF Orr Stakes