Racing: Slipper just Magic fit for Phelan

Phelan Ready became just the second Queensland-trained horse to win the world's richest race for 2-year-olds when the Magic Millions winner took out the Golden Slipper Stakes in emphatic fashion at Rosehill yesterday.

The Bruce and Jason McLachlan-trained Phelan Ready had the outside barrier in the field of 16 for the A$3.5 million ($4.33 million) showpiece but jockey Brad Rawiller gave him a perfect run throughout and he proved far too good for his rivals in the 1200m dash for cash.

Calaway Gal in 2002 was the first Queensland-trained horse to win the Slipper and Phelan Ready is also just the second galloper to secure the Millions-Slipper double after Dance Hero in 2004.

Neither bloodied trainer Bruce McLachlan nor injured Rawiller were feeling any pain after the $26 chance scored.

McLachlan knocked his mouth on the enclosure gate in the excitement of the win while Rawiller carried a knee injury.

Phelan Ready beat Headway by 2 lengths with Manhattan Rain a short half-head away third.

Phelan Ready was the last horse to make the Slipper field with his prizemoney for winning the Magic Millions not counted.

He also drew the outside barrier which did not prove too big a hindrance on the heavy track.

For respected Queenslander McLachlan, the win was even more special because he now trains in an official partnership with his son Jason.

"It's great for me but great for Jason," McLachlan said.

"A lot of people didn't think he could win but I suppose they come from New South Wales.

"He was the last horse to get into the Magic Millions and he won that. He was the last horse to get into the Slipper and he's won that. Everything has gone to plan with him and it's just a wonderful day."

Jason Holder won the Magic Millions on Phelan Ready but was seriously injured in a fall leaving the mount open for Rawiller.

Rawiller injured his knee on his treadmill on Thursday but didn't want to go to the trouble of getting a medical certificate. That came after the Slipper and Rawiller was stood down from his remaining mounts.

- AAP