Alligator Blood leaves traffic drama behind to give Ryan Maloney a deserved big win in Magic Millions Guineas

Ryan Maloney was denied a major race win with Alligator Blood last spring but made up for that disappointment when Queensland’s next big racing star made a mess of his rivals in the Magic Millions Guineas.

Ryan Maloney wins the Magic Millions Guineas on Alligator Blood. Picture: Getty Images

Ryan Maloney had what would have been his biggest moment in racing ripped from his grasp last October and, for a few moments, the jockey feared he would be denied a $2 million opportunity for the second time this season.

When news first filtered through of Alligator Blood being stuck in the M1 traffic jam, there was confusion as to whether he would be able to take his place in the Magic Millions Guineas field.

Fortunately for Maloney and all of Alligator Blood’s connections, not to mention punters, a number of other events led to the race being postponed and the horse being able to take his place in the field.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Maloney was left shattered when Alligator Blood was run down in the last stride in the Caulfield Guineas in October, but there was to be no repeat, with the horse in full control, virtually from the get-go.

“Everything went wrong (leading up to the race), but it just goes to show the good horses do what they have to do and they get the job done,” Maloney said.

Ryan Maloney salutes the crowd after winning the Magic Millions Guineas with Alligator Blood. Picture: Getty Images

Though the race does not carry Group 1 status, the $2 million price tag leaves little doubt as to the race’s importance and it was by far Maloney’s biggest win, capping a terrific 18 months for the jockey since making the move from Victoria to Queensland.

“I had quite a bit of expectation, but the owners didn’t push me to feel any of it, they just let me do my thing,” he said.

“He’s a horse that oozes confidence when you ride him, because he can get you out of sticky positions and we saw it again today.

“He’s push button, he’s a jockey’s dream. He can get a bit worked up and I just hopped off him (at the barriers).

Maloney with his children, Stella and Isla, after winning on Alligator Blood. Picture: Trackside Photography

“I know what happened to him on the freeway, so there was no way stirring him up for no reason.

“He took me into the straight and he did the rest. He’s a funny horse, he just does what he has to do. It’s a massive relief and happy days.”

Maloney will get his chance to crack it for a breakthrough Group 1 win in the next few months, with trainer David Vandyke planning to head to Melbourne for a crack at the Australian Guineas.

Despite the drama that preceded the race, punters stuck solidly with Alligator Blood, sending him out a $1.80 chance and he won by two lengths.