Clayton Douglas | Clayton Douglas News 63203 Giga Kick Back To His Brilliant Best With Schillaci Stakes Triumph

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 8^th November.