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Clayton Douglas | Clayton Douglas News

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Giga Kick Back to His Brilliant Best with Schillaci Stakes Triumph

12:00 • Saturday • 11 October 2025

Super sprinter Giga Kick has roared back into the spotlight, producing a stunning performance to win the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, ending a two-year drought and reminding the racing world why he’s considered one of Australia’s elite. Ridden patiently by Mark Zahra, the five-year-old gelding settled midfield before unleashing his trademark turn of foot down the outside to overhaul the leaders and score by a length over Tropicus, stopping the clock at 1:03.14. The victory marked Giga Kick’s first since the Doomben 10,000 in May 2023 and brought emotional scenes from trainer Clayton Douglas, who has worked tirelessly to guide his stable star back from injury setbacks. “It’s a huge relief,” Douglas said post-race. “We’ve copped a bit of criticism over the last year, but good horses do good things. I’ve always believed in him, and to see him back doing that today is pretty special.” Zahra, who partnered Giga Kick in a narrow defeat by Bella Nipotina in the 2024 Everest, said the gelding felt “back to his old self.” “He just travelled beautifully,” Zahra said. “When I asked, he let rip, that acceleration was still there. It’s great to see him back to his brilliant best.” The win lifts Giga Kick’s career earnings beyond $13 million and reaffirms his place among the top sprinters in the country. His next assignment likely to be the Group 1 VRC Champions Sprint on 8th November.

Gallant Prince Delivers Strong Win at Mornington

12:00 • Sunday • 28 September 2025

Emerging gelding Gallant Prince stamped his mark in the provincial ranks today with a gutsy victory in the Marconi Plumbing over 1500m at Mornington, overcoming a recent near-miss and holding off a tough challenge in the final stages. Under Daniel Stackhouse, Gallant Prince settled in the midfield early before making ground in the straight. Once balanced, he launched his run and dug deep, holding off Brullen by three-quarters of a length, with Isdell just behind in third. For trainer Clayton Douglas, based at Mornington, the win was a rewarding return to form for a horse that’s been knocking on the door in recent starts. Gallant Prince had placed in his past few runs and looked primed for a breakthrough. “He’s been close a few times, so to get the job done today is great for him and the team,” Douglas commented. Stackhouse paid tribute to the gelding’s determination in the closing stages: “He gave me everything I asked for,” Stackhouse said. “I had to steady him a touch early, but once he got balanced he hit the line strongly. It’s nice to see him convert the promise into a win.” The victory was the third win for the big son of Trapeze Artist, taking his prizemoney to over $120,000. Congratulations to a great ownership group.

Tiger Shark Pounces to Claim Thrilling Caulfield Victory

12:00 • Sunday • 21 September 2025

The powerful sprinting mare Tiger Shark proved too strong in the closing stages at Caulfield on Saturday, charging home to snatch victory in the Barastoc Handicap (1100m) in a thrilling photo finish. Ridden patiently by Luke Currie, the five-year-old mare settled behind the speed before unleashing a sharp turn of foot in the straight, getting the bob in ahead of Oak Hill, with Klabel close behind in third. The official winning margin was a nose, stopping the clock at 1:03.23. Trainer Clayton Douglas, was “thrilled” by the result, praising the team that prepared her for the Victorian campaign. He credited former trainer Nat McCall for sending the mare down in top order and commended the stable’s work to keep her fit and confident. “She’s been improving with every run,” Douglas said. “We’ve been really happy with how she’s settled in down here. She’s tough, honest, and has that competitive streak you love to see.” Currie echoed that sentiment, crediting the mare’s rapid acceleration and willingness to fight to the line. “She sprinted quicker than I expected when I came off their heels,” Currie said. “She just dug in late when it mattered. She’s a very genuine mare and I think there’s more to come.” Originally trained in Queensland by Nat McCall, Tiger Shark has now made a seamless switch to Douglas’s Mornington base, delivering an early spring highlight for her new stable. Saturday’s performance showcased her adaptability and resilience, handling the firm Caulfield track and the stronger southern competition with composure. “Credit to Nat and her team, they’ve done a great job with her,” Douglas added. “We’re just lucky to have her. She’s come down in great order and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

Convincing win by Dual Award

12:00 • Monday • 26 May 2025

The 3yr old Shamus Award gelding, Dual Award, gave his patient connections plenty to cheer about with a convincing win at Mornington today. At only his second career start, the 3yr old gelding by Shamus Award was able to win over the 1500m in convincing style. A positive start to his racing career with the expectation of him getting over further in the future. A patient ride by Jamie Mott, the gelding jumped fast before settling just off the speed. A couple of anxious moments waiting for the gap but when it appeared he took full advantage. “We do like this horse. He’s got some good staying potential.. still a big baby at the moment” said Jamie Mott. “I think he’s one to watch for the future in six to twelve months over a trip." A $180,000 purchase from the 2023 Inglis Premier Sale, Dual Award is the first foal from unraced Fiorente mare, Vincitore. He was purchased as a staying prospect for the stable and a loyal group of clients who have been patient as the gelding has taken time to mature. The win today is hopefully the first of many and was a big thrill for all involved. Congratulations to Dual Awards owners and our hardworking team.

Knockout blow by Title Fighter

12:00 • Sunday • 18 May 2025

Title Fighter delivered a remarkable upset victory in the Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six (1200m) as a 71-1 outsider under apprentice jockey Tom Prebble. A career defining win for both horse and rider with their shared first stakes win. Trainer Clayton Douglas was effusive in his praise for Prebble's ride, stating “He rode it a treat. You couldn’t have asked for a better ride honestly. He was nice and quiet on him early. “He’s got a big future this kid.” For Prebble, the victory was particularly special, marking his first stakes win for the talented apprentice and a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, especially as his father, former champion international jockey Brett Prebble, was on course. "I just see every race as the next and I want to win all of them," Prebble said. "When I got the opportunity to ride in a Listed race, I just took the opportunity. It unfolded awesomely.” Clayton was equally impressed with the effort of Title Fighter. “We knocked back big offers from Hong Kong early on, to be honest I thought the owner was mad, and now he’s won a stakes race up the straight. It’s been a long, hard process to teach him to switch off and he’s now got strings to his bow. He’s only 4 and he’s done a terrific job this campaign” said Douglas. The trainer also reflected on his season to date “I’ve had a really good season to be honest. I’ve got Giga Kick who’s my class horse for the stable, this guy’s now won a stakes race, I’ve had a 2yr old stakes winner, we’re ticking along really well and I’m really happy with all the staff and how hard they’re working. It good to get a result for everyone” The team was thrilled to give Tom the opportunity and both horse and rider lived up to expectations. Title Fighter's triumph in the Straight Six was his first stakes win and took his earnings to over $550,000.

Gronk loves The Bool

12:00 • Tuesday • 29 April 2025

A trip to the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival again proved successful with the five-year-old gelding Gronkowski delivering a commanding performance to win the Book Jericho Thru Langley's Accommodation Benchmark 70 Handicap. A confident ride by jockey Blake Shinn, Gronkowski clinched victory over 1200 meters on a Soft 7 track, securing an easy 2.25 length win over runner-up Mr Charismatic. He did a great job. He jumped well, had a nice easy trail and he won the race pretty easily. It was a good effort.” said Shinn. “He won untouched, he’s a nice metropolitan horse and he deserved that win today.” This triumph marked Gronkowski's fifth career win and took his prizemoney to over $188,000 for breeders and owners, Rosemont Stud. The team at home was thrilled to see “Gronk” win at The Bool and congratulations to great supporters in Rosemont Stud.

Wealthy Breaks Through with Impressive Maiden Win at Mornington

12:00 • Monday • 28 April 2025

Wealthy claimed her maiden victory in style at Mornington today, producing a strong front-running performance to take out the $27,000 3YO Maiden Set Weights over 1200m. Rated perfectly by jockey Daniel Moor, the promising Rich Enuff filly held off all challengers to defeat Tuscaloosa Gem, scoring at just her second career start. “I think she’s got nice potential this filly, I think she’s going to be alright in time…and a bit more cut in the ground should really suit her as well” said Clayton Douglas. “She’s a lovely style of filly, I think she’s got a nice future ahead of her. I don’t think the blinkers are probably going to be her trick forever, I think they can come back off, but it’s good to get the win second up for her.” The win also carried a lucrative VOBIS Silver Owner Bonus, boosting Wealthy’s earnings to over $38,000 from only two starts — an impressive return early in her career. By Rich Enuff, a Group 2-winning son of Written Tycoon, Wealthy boasts a quality pedigree. Her dam, Momma’s Snitzel, adds further depth to her bloodlines as a daughter of the outstanding sire Snitzel. Adding further prestige, Wealthy races in the iconic silks of Barrie and Midge Griffiths — legendary stable and industry supporters known for their sharp eye for elite fillies and mares. Their colours have been carried by some of Australia’s finest Group 1 winners, including Mannerism, Tawrrific, Northwood Plume, Response, and Booker. With her impressive Mornington performance and strong pedigree, Wealthy looks to have a bright future ahead.Congratulations to everyone involved.

Title Fighter Delivers Knockout Performance at Bendigo

12:00 • Saturday • 12 April 2025

Title Fighter showcased his class and determination with a strong win in the Bendigo Advertiser Benchmark 84 Handicap over 1100 metres today. Expertly guided by jockey Jamie Mott, the four-year-old gelding overcame a slow start and a testing run in transit to unleash a powerful finishing burst. After being caught in traffic turning for home, Mott remained composed, navigating a path to the outside where Title Fighter let down strongly to reel in the leaders and score an impressive victory. Starting at $13 against a quality field headed by short-priced favourite Tatsumaki ($1.75), Title Fighter’s performance underscored his ability to match it with high-calibre rivals under pressure. The win marks his sixth career success and pushes his career earnings beyond $400,000 — a testament to his consistency and competitiveness across a range of tracks. By Lean Mean Machine out of If Not Now When, Title Fighter continues to prove a competitive and honest performer for the team. Congratulations to breeder and owner Paul Kelly of Ponderosa Park on another outstanding result from this talented son of Lean Mean Machine.

Invincible Filly Scores Debut Victory in Dequetteville Stakes

12:00 • Saturday • 5 April 2025

I Am Invincible had an impressive debut stakes-winner in Adelaide on Saturday when the Clayton Douglas trained filly Blue Hotel charged to the line to win the Listed SAJC Dequetteville Stakes (1000m) at Morphettville. A homebred for Jonathan Munz, Blue Hotel finished off with a late rush for Todd Pannell, accelerating hard to win by a length and a half running away from $1.25million Snitzel filly Boa Vista with another blue-blood I Am Invincible filly in Sisstainable in third place. “She's a lovely filly. She's still got a little bit to learn, but she's shown me a lot of ability at home and it's good to see her go and do it,” said Clayton Douglas, who had no hesitation in sending her out first time in a stakes race. “We think she's a good horse and obviously she's a homebred for Jonathan Munz and the team at Pinecliff, so obviously she's a very valuable filly.Read the full story at Breednet - click.Story by Tara MadgwickImage - Aitkins Photography - click.

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Sharnee Rose | Racing Manager

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