The Gold Coast Turf Club’s Magic Millions Raceday delivered thrills on Saturday as Slippin’ Jimmy stole the show with an impressive all-the-way victory in the $500,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m). Trained by David Vandyke, the four-year-old gelding showcased both class and determination, leaving punters and connections cheering as he secured his sixth career win from just 10 starts.
The triumph didn’t just cement Slippin’ Jimmy’s rising star status—it also swelled his career earnings to almost $400,000, a handsome return on the $180,000 purchase price paid by Vandyke and RM Racing at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Reflecting on the win, Vandyke revealed it was the culmination of meticulous planning that began over six months ago.
“He’s always had ability, and he’s a good trier,” Vandyke said after the race. “Mark Cook and myself planned this quite a while ago; we were aiming for this and we got here. We were a bit worried about the rain, but he loved it. There are a great group of people in him, and it’s such a buzz to win a race like that.”
A Perfectly Executed Ride by Tim Clark
Jockey Tim Clark added another feather to his cap at the iconic Magic Millions meeting, guiding Slippin’ Jimmy to victory with a composed and tactical ride. Clark, who has now notched up nine feature race wins at the prestigious event, praised the gelding’s ability to adapt to conditions.
“David prepared him brilliantly, and he’d obviously trialled up nicely against a very good three-year-old,” Clark said. “He makes his own luck, and I just wanted to hold onto him as deep as I could given he was first-up over the 1200m. He kicked strongly, and it was a tough effort.”
Clark’s winning ride was bolstered by Slippin’ Jimmy’s aptitude for settling into a rhythm, controlling the pace in the middle stages, and quickening on the rain-affected track.
A Closely Fought Finish
The race wasn’t without its challengers, as Joe Cleary’s King Gutho and Allan Chau’s Flying Birds both pushed hard to finish within a length of the winner. King Gutho claimed second place, while Flying Birds came in third, rounding out a competitive and thrilling contest for spectators.
A Bright Future for Slippin’ Jimmy
With this standout win, Slippin’ Jimmy continues to build an impressive resume. The son of Pariah, out of a Kenmore Lodge draft, is fast becoming a name to watch in the Australian racing circuit. His ability to perform under pressure, especially on rain-affected ground, only adds to his growing reputation.
For Vandyke, the victory is proof of the power of long-term planning and the quality of connections involved in Slippin’ Jimmy’s journey. “It’s such a buzz to win a race like that,” he said, summing up the mood of the day.
As the Magic Millions Raceday concluded with yet another chapter of racing excellence, Slippin’ Jimmy’s triumph serves as a reminder of why this meeting is one of the most exciting events on the calendar—combining big money, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments on the track.
