Southport Tycoon topples stablemate Growing Empire in Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley

Trainer Ciaron Maher came to Craig Williams’ defence after Southport Tycoon snatched victory from stablemate Growing Empire in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley.

Big race jockey Mark Zahra nailed a perfectly timed ride on Southport Tycoon to cause a boilover in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.

Zahra cut the corner on Southport Tycoon, trained by Ciaron Maher, and nailed stablemate Growing Empire on the post.

Jockey Craig Williams, rider of Growing Empire, was questioned by stewards after the race for an explanation on the concluding stages of the race.

Williams held a margin inside the last 50m and appeared to nurse the tiring three-year-old colt to the finish.

“He was getting tired really quickly and I was doing my best to get him over the line first,” Williams told stewards.

Williams conceded in hindsight he should’ve ridden Growing Empire more economically, to stay out of the early speed battle, and finish off better.

Stewards also questioned Maher after the race and the champion trainer had no concerns with Williams’ ride.

SOUTHPORT TYCOON FROM THE CLOUDS! 🔥

The Written Tycoon 4YO wins his 2nd Group 1 ⭐️ @cmaherracingpic.twitter.com/Gz97Lfbadq

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 27, 2024

“I’m satisfied,” Maher said.

“I think knowing the horse, even Zaz (Zahra) said when I could see him in front of me I knew he would be lairy.

“I think given how he went across the line, you’re talking inches I know, as I said earlier, once I worked out where we were getting to, I think horse is doing his absolute best, whether you give him another one (strike with whip) or not (same result).

“I get what you’re looking at but I don’t think it makes a difference.”

Stewards concluded the inquiry after the last and elected not to proceed with the matter any further.

They noted the comments from Williams and Maher around the concluding stages of the race.

Southport Tycoon and Mark Zahra runs over the top of Growing Empire and Craig Williams in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Maher highlighted the fact Growing Empire’s ears were pinned back – trying as hard as he could – the last 50m.

Maher was thrilled with the result either way, with two valuable colts finishing one-two in the Group 1.

“They would have ran some really slick times early, and to be there, like, he looked a winner all the way down the straight, he’s just been collared late,” Maher said of Growing Empire.

“Serious, serious colt, he’s got a massive lot of upside.

“Craig said he just, with the shades on, he just sort of might have thought the job was maybe, you know, but, you know, phenomenal, you know, for both colts, really.

“Growing Empire, I thought, he was our better seed. But, you know, that toughness, that race toughness showed there late.”

Southport Tycoon returned $19 with Ladbrokes.

Growing Empire holds a good lead over Southport Tycoon inside the last 100m. Picture: Racing.com

Southport Tycoon on Friday night became the first galloper since Hey Doc in 2017 to compete the Australian Guineas-Manikato Stakes double.

Maher lauded the Zahra ride.

“I thought Mark was the perfect jockey for him, because you had to play that nice waiting race, nice waiting ride,” Maher said.

Zahra enjoyed the thrilling contest.

“I just rode him for luck. I mean seeing my other horse in front like that, geez, he gave such a good chase,” Zahra said.

Mark Zahra is embraced by Ciaron Maher after Southport Tycoon won the Manikato Stakes. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“Me and Ciaron were quietly the confident like he was going really well and I didn’t even have a chance to pull the whip, you know.

“I was coming through that quick and just got the stride in the right time.”

Zahra’s knowledge of Growing Empire, he had ridden him to victory the past three starts, helped him over the concluding stages.

“I wasn’t sure if I won or not – I was coming that fast and knowing the other horse, he’s a stargazer,” Zahra said.

“He would have thought him and Craig I reckon would have thought they won. And if there’s the only way to beat that horse is to get him late before he can see you coming. Lucky I know him well.”

Originally published as Southport Tycoon topples stablemate Growing Empire in Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley