Breeder Bob Hannon reflects on winning Magic Millions Quality Handicap

Breeder Bob Hannon’s Magic Millions Open Quality Handicap win with Etana was one that was three decades in the making.

BREEDER Bob Hannon’s Magic Millions Open Quality Handicap win with Etana was one that was three decades in the making.

Hannon is part of the connections of the four-year-old mare who finished fifth in her first run in The Wave at the Gold Coast last week but bounced back to win on the biggest day of the Magic Millions carnival for Ciaron Maher and his training partner David Eustace.

Etana stems from Irish mare From The Wood, bought by Hannon in 1989 and who’s lineage produced Shamus Award, at two-time Group 1 winner and sire of Etana.

“I brought From The Wood over from Ireland and have been involved with the family all this time,” Hannon said.

Winner of race 2 Etana breeder Bob Hannon at the Magic Millions race day at the Gold Coast Turf Club. (Photo/Steve Holland)

“It’s hard enough to win but to breed one and then get there is twice as special.”

Hannon has previously had Shalt Not finish third in the 2YO Classic behind Testa Rossa in 1999 and second in what was then known as the Three-Years-Old Plate behind Ha Ha in 2002.

Maher said he was reluctant to take Etana home to Warwick Farm after adding to her love affair for Queensland by winning the $250,000 Open Quality Handicap.

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“I was hoping to win both actually but we will take this one,” Maher said post-race.

“It was a great ride by (jockey) Luke Currie. It was easy to watch. The horse thrived, the team up here … has done a sensational job.

“She is probably a valuable broodmare and this adds a bit more money to her purse. She seems to thrive when she gets up here to Queensland.

Winner of race 2 Etana jockey Luke Currie and trainer Ciaron Maher at the Magic Millions race day at the Gold Coast Turf Club. (Photo/Steve Holland)

“I might be reluctant to take her home she likes it here that much.”

Maher won’t have to wait long to get Etana here again, with the trainer looking to bring her back for the Queensland winter carnival.

“She takes a while to hit form so we will see what else is around but she may have another run. We will probably target some better races in the winter carnival up here again.”

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