Derby Cup surprise as Majora’s Mask claims spoils at Kimberley town’s big race meet
All roads, dusty and bitumen, led to Derby last weekend for the running of the Derby Cup, reinstated this year, after last year's non event because of the COVID lockdowns.
So there was great expectation that this year's event was going to be special, and a crowd of more than 2000 made sure that it was.
Horse trainers, who are crucial to the success of a meeting supported the occasion with larger fields than ever, and the Cup field itself was was the largest in decades.
Darryn Pateman enjoyed the greatest success on the day with three winners, two of which were ridden by apprentice Rosie Mahony.
But the Derby Cup went to an outsider, with the name of an action-packed video game, Majora's Mask.
The seven year old gelding had only arrived in the Kimberley two days previously, so it proved to be an amazing training effort by Jody McLaughlin, based at Serpentine.
The horse, patiently ridden by apprentice Jett Stanley, came from a rearward position in running, to surge to the lead in the home straight and win by a length.
And great news for the West Kimberley Turf Club came during the presentation when Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby announced that, as of next year, the Derby Cup meeting would be a TAB event, meaning all Australia will witness the meeting.
Who knows — this could take on Birdsville proportions.
Congratulations also to the ladies and gents who took part in the Fashions on the Field.
Their colour and pizzaz added to a memorable day, even if the club grader did add a little dust to the occasion, during judging.
There'll definitely be more Derby racing next year.
Racing returns to Broome on Friday.
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