Racing: Magic comes home good as gold

Ian George was not sure what to expect from exciting race mare Golden Magic when she started in the $15,000 Edwards Sound 1200 yesterday.

The 4-year-old Magic Of Sydney-sired mare had raced only once previously in similar track conditions to those she struck at Ellerslie and failed to fire. But the Cambridge-based trainer knew the mare was fit and ready for the sprint race as he rides all his own horses in training. Golden Magic lengthened stylishly in the home stretch for Cameron Lammas and quickly gathered in pace setting Dancing Song to win by three and a quarter lengths, with a further half length back to Sir Kinloch in third.

"I wasn't sure if she'd handle the conditions here but with only seven runners in the field we had to have a go," said George.

"She settled well and really sprinted sharply when Cameron asked her to stretch out and she got to the finishing line with her ears pricked.

"Judging by the way she raced today we are definitely going to have to keep racing her through the winter.

"She needed the run last time at Te Rapa following a break, where she spent time in the swimming pool and away from training." 

- HERALD ON SUNDAY