Michael Rodd’s miracle return to Magic Millions: ‘There won’t be any happier than me there’

Michael Rodd was aiming to have a good book of rides at Ipswich on Magic Millions day, so low were his expectations when coming back from post-concussion syndrome. Instead, he will ride a number of leading chances at the Gold Coast.

Michael Rodd returns to the Magic Millions carnival with a handful of rides. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

Melbourne Cup winner Michael Rodd didn’t even watch the Magic Millions last year as he battled with his debilitating post-concussion syndrome.

On Saturday he will be the happiest man on the Gold Coast as he ticks off another milestone in his incredible comeback.

Rodd was sidelined for 30 months as he retrained his brain to shake the symptoms, which saw even the most simple household tasks leaving him exhausted.

Two decades on from his Magic Millions 2YO Classic win aboard Regimental Gal, Rodd is again looking to leave his mark on the super rich carnival, where he is set to ride Territory Ash in the feature.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Magic Millions was the last thing on his mind, with the champion hoop revealing he had a much lower bar of expectation set.

“I remember when I came back, I was looking ahead to Magic Millions and I thought if I could have a good book at Ipswich on that day, I’d be happy,” he said.

“It was just the whole not knowing thing, the last month the momentum has been building.

“I will just be so happy to be at the Gold Coast, there won’t be any happier than me this Saturday and the following one.”

Michael Rodd returns to the Gold Coast after winning the Magic Millions in 2003. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

• Exclusive: Rodd opens up on post-concussion syndrome battle

Rodd refused to give up on his glittering riding career during his post-concussion syndrome battle, which saw him battle with bright lights and sharp sounds, but admits last year’s Magic Millions wasn’t one to remember.

“I didn’t watch any of them last year, it wasn’t a good Magic Millions day,” he said.

“It is so good to be back there, everyone around me that has been a part of the journey, they will be really happy too.

“It will be really special if I can get a winner on either of the next two Saturdays.”

Territory Ash is entered to run in the Gold Pearl at the Gold Coast on Saturday as she looks to secure a spot in the $3m 2YO Classic field a week later.

Michael Rodd, who won the 2007 Melbourne Cup aboard Efficient, holds the 2023 trophy at a promotional event at Tasmania Zoo in August last year. Picture: Alex Treacy

• ‘The brain can heal': Rodd details incredible recovery 

The filly knocked off Poster Girl at the Sunshine Coast last start, however she could be scratched from Saturday’s race if it becomes clear she will get a start next week.

“If she goes on Saturday, she is a bombproof little thing, she really is a ripper,” Rodd said.

“She hung in during her first start, then she had some nasal discharge the next start, so we were really confident going to that race at the Sunny Coast where she beat Poster Girl.

“There’s a little bit of form there beating her and there wasn’t any fluke.”

Rodd will also ride Magic Millions 3YO Guineas hope Trifling next week, who is also a leading contender for the Women In Racing Bonus.

“The harder they go in that race will be the better for her, it is her home track and she is flying,” he said.

“I can see her steaming home and doing something in that race.”