Race fans follow Yellow Brick all the way to massive victory

He was their second choice, but Yellow Brick proved to be number one for a Toowoomba racing stable with the talented runner securing victory in Queensland’s richest provincial race.

Maddy Sears holds the King of the Mountain trophy after Yellow Brick's win at Clifford Park racecourse. Picture: Nev Madsen.

When Yellow Brick found space on the home straight the Sears Racing team were convinced he was a ‘shoe-in’ and they celebrated accordingly.

Whooping and cheering as their runner flew home to win the inaugural King of the Mountain slot race at Clifford Park – Maddy, Tony and Leigh Sears tried their hand at the Aussie tradition – the ‘shoey’.

“I can’t believe we did it to be honest,” Maddy said.

The 25-year-old, who trained Yellow Brick with her father Tony, said there was palpable excitement in her camp during the $750,000 race.

“None of us have ever done a shoey before and probably will never do one again but it felt right at the time.

“When he (Yellow Brick) found space on the straight, he really kicked on and we were pretty confident he was a sure thing from there.

“I’ve seen some video and you can really see the excitement building in all of us as he closes in on the finish and then we just exploded.

“I see the trophy above our fireplace and it still doesn’t make sense – it hasn’t sunk in yet.

“Winning the inaugural King of the Mountain – it’s an absolutely amazing feeling.”

Yellow Brick ridden by Ben Thompson wins the inaugural King of the Mountain at Clifford Park racecourse. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Things could’ve been a lot different for the Sears Racing stable though.

Steady Ready was always the Sears’ number one pick for the major prize marquee event which is Queensland’s richest provincial race.

However when they drew a second slot in the 12-horse race they had to make a big decision.

The Sears initially discussed approaching Brisbane trainers to see if they could provide a suitable horse to fill the slot.

In the end Maddy pitched an idea that ultimately changed the stable’s fortunes.

“I talked to dad about putting Yellow Brick in,” Maddy said.

“Initially we just wanted him (Yellow Brick) just to finish well but after a run in Brisbane (jockey) Ben (Thompson) told us he didn’t think there was a horse in the field that could beat him.

“The barrier draw dented our confidence a little but Ben was extremely confident and in the end he was right.

“It was an excellent ride from Ben and once he found that space there was no stopping him.”