Mark Oulaghan enjoyed a remarkable day on Sunday, achieving success both on the track and at the 2022-23 New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards in Auckland.
In the Waverley Cup (2200m), Oulaghan's Semper Magico emerged victorious, adding to the trainer's list of accomplishments.
The horse had been in good form, with wins and placings in his previous two outings, instilling hope in Oulaghan for a strong performance.
Under the guidance of jockey Kozzi Asano, Semper Magico settled just behind the leading pack.
As they turned for home, Asano urged the horse to make a three-wide move, and Semper Magico summoned his reserves to take the lead, fending off a late challenge from Kingfisher Lad to secure victory by a head.
Oulaghan commented on the horse's performance, saying, “That was a handy effort. He stuck on well yesterday and showed a bit of determination in the finish, which was encouraging.
“He has always been a good galloper, but he has always had a bit of trouble putting things together on raceday. He might be starting to now, and hopefully things continue going in the right direction.”
Semper Magico, co-bred and co-owned by Oulaghan, has now accumulated six wins and more than $130,000 in prize money.
Oulaghan shared the horse's pedigree, noting, “We had his mother, Semper Fidelis. She was a Grosvenor mare and she was quite a good race mare. She won a Trentham Stakes (Group 3, 2400m), a Marton Cup (Listed, 2200m), and a few other races, she was a good mare.
“This is her last foal, and she was getting on a bit when she foaled him.”
Another horse from Oulaghan's stable, West Coast, had a low-key outing over 2200m at Waverley, preparing for the upcoming Great Northern Steeplechase (6400m) at Te Rapa on Sunday.
Regarding West Coast, Oulaghan said, “He (West Coast) is heading for the Northern next Sunday, so we will see what he can do there.
“He raced yesterday and pulled up reasonably well. It was a good fitness run for him, and we will just chug along quietly, and hopefully he is ready on Sunday.”
Oulaghan expressed his satisfaction with West Coast being named Champion Jumper at the Horse of the Year Awards and is looking forward to the horse adding to his accolades in the upcoming race.
He said, “It was quite exciting to get that. To win a Wellington and a National in one season is pretty good.”