Barassi rewards trainers Trent and Toby Edmonds’ dedication with runaway win at Gold Coast

Before he heads to Victoria to train in his own, Trent Edmonds enjoyed one more memorable win with father after Barassi’s all-the-way romp ended years of perseverance.

Barassi ran his rivals ragged with Craig Williams aboard in the Magic Millions Maidens Plate at the Gold Coast. Picture: Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

A labour of love dating back years with a trouble-plagued but talented galloper has led to jubilant Gold Coast trainer Trent Edmonds snaring a rich race not long before heading off to train in Victoria.

Trent and dad Toby are Group 1-winning trainers, having landed the 2020 Stradbroke Handicap with Tyzone, but few wins together have given them more pleasure than the all-the-way romp of Barassi in the $250,000 Magic Millions Maiden Plate (1100m).

The training partnership is on the verge of splitting with Trent about to head to Pakenham to train in his own right.

But the Edmonds’ were men on a mission with Barassi who was five years old when having his first start, finishing third at Doomben last month.

That's how you win your maiden!

The 5YO entire Barassi was airborne at just start number 2 today, @CWilliamsJockey secures an early double riding for @EdmondsRacing. pic.twitter.com/Dk4qvEddpx

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 6, 2024

A $300,000 buy at the 2020 Magic Millions Sales, the Edmonds’ always thought Barassi had all the talent in the world.

But he had a series of injury problems which kept him on the sidelines.

It was like having a Ferrari in the garage, but being unable to start the ignition.

Years of frustration ended when Barassi won as he liked on the Gold Coast, despite being a dramatic drifter in betting from $4.60 to $8.

“He has always been a super talented horse and you saw that today when he belted them,” Trent Edmonds said.

“He has always worked with Alpine Edge at track work and absolutely smashes him and Alpine Edge is a talented horse himself.

Trent Edmonds (left) and dad Toby with Barassi. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

“One day at Doomben, Barassi hung out on the turn and hit himself and it formed an abscess and then there has just been recurring problems for three years.

“He also chipped his fetlock last preparation about 12 months ago when we were getting him ready.

“It’s been a labour of love but you’ve seen why today, we have always known he is a shining star.”

Champion jockey Craig Williams hailed the efforts from the father and son training team.

“For them to persevere with his training after buying him at the sales four years ago, they’ve been rewarded and they have their horse back on course,” Williams said.

“As a horse they’ve obviously known he’s got good ability and you’ve seen that here today.

“He’s a big horse to work with, he’s got a big engine and he’s got good speed.”

Originally published as Barassi rewards trainers Trent and Toby Edmonds’ dedication with runaway win at Gold Coast