Gold Coast-based Aquis Farm win Magic Millions 2YO Classic with Sunlight

THE timing of Sunlight’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic win couldn’t have been better as far as Aquis Australia CEO Shane McGrath is concerned.

Just Fung (left), Tony Fung and Loretta Fung. Picture: Supplied.

THE timing of Sunlight’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic win couldn’t have been better as far as Aquis Australia CEO Shane McGrath is concerned.

Just over two years since Hong Kong Tony Fung bought the Canungra facility with the intention of developing it in to a resort, the company that has shares in Sunlight through Fung’s wife Loretta has won the $2 million race at the Gold Coast Turf Club where it is the naming rights sponsor.

Sunlight entered the race as the $3.90 favourite and overcame a collision with Ef Troop at the 200m mark to win by two lengths to Fullazaboot and Outback Barbie at Aquis Park.

“I was a bit worried at the 200m mark and then once she found that second gear it was all over,” McGrath said.

“Timing is everything isn’t it. We got the track, got the winner and everyone is happy. That is what it’s all about.”

Loretta Fung had shares in two horses in the race with the other, Secret Lady, finishing sixth.

She is one of eight women who have shares in the horse, meaning they pocketed an extra $325,000 thanks to the women’s bonus on offer.

“These women have been supporting this initiative since we started in 2012 so they deserve this,” Magic Millions co-owner Katie Page said.

“A lot of them are racing royalty and put everything in to it.”

McEvoy — who bought Sunlight’s full-sister at the sales this week for $600,000 — said his filly handled the hot conditions after two previous runs at the track.

“The key was getting her here when we did,” McEvoy said.

Jockey Luke Currie rides Sunlight to victory in the Magic Millions Two-Years-Old Classic. Picture: Jono Searle, AAP Image.

“She has acclimatised, handled the heat really well, she has got a great composure and that preparation of running last week when the high pressure was on she lifted very strong late and she is a star filly and I’m very proud and pleased to be a trainer.”

Meanwhile, the connections of 2YO Classic runner Jonker opened up about having their dreams of winning the race shattered due in the opening stages of the race.

Jonker jumped well from barrier two and was in fourth when Ef Troop — ridden by jockey Matthew McGillivray — tried to squeeze between early leaders Sunlight and Secret Lady.

The incident forced Secret Lady right and subsequently sent Jonker and hoop Hugh Bowman in to the rail. McGillivray was slapped with a month-long ban — starting immediately — for incident.

Justin Fung (left) with father Tony Fung and Aquis Australia CEO Shane McGrath. Picture: Supplied.

It was a devastating moment for Jonker’s connections who watched the clearly affected horse run last as Bowman tried his best to avoid any further damage to the horse that suffered abrasions to all four legs in the incident.

A disappointed Mcpherson — one of two Gold Coast owners along with Tyson Maddern — tried to remain as upbeat as he could.

“We were just unlucky,” Mcpherson said.

“He was a good horse that won, Sunlight was so good.”