“I’m Thrilled” – Nick Luck Makes A Splash At Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dane McLeod/TTR 

Award-winning broadcaster Nick Luck brought new meaning to the term big Down Under by purchasing two fillies alongside trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on behalf of a newly-formed syndicate. 

The first filly was Lot 840, a Russian Revolution filly purchased for $240,000. Beautifully bred, she is out of the three-time Group-winning and Group 1-placed mare Spanish Reef (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and was offered by Rosemont Stud.

“It's my first involvement with a horse in Australia, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it, and also delighted to be teaming up with Gai and Adrian,” Luck said.

“I've known Emma Coleman for a while, and quite often said I wouldn't mind a small share, just to dip my toe in the water here. And this escalated last night over dinner. Nothing was planned until close to midnight, when I said to Emma, 'Come on, have you got a 5% in a filly for me?'”

That's when things took a very Australian turn.

“Then she said, 'I've got a better idea. Why don't you start a syndicate down here?' So, we didn't waste any time. The grass doesn't grow under anybody's feet here in Australia.”

And waste no time they did.

“Then this morning we went out, looked at a few fillies with Gai this morning, and it happened really quickly. We thought this filly was the nicest of all the ones we saw. Obviously, a filly with a great pedigree, out of a really good mare.

“She comes from a wonderful farm, and it sounds like the mare's 2-year-old shows some promise as well, so hopefully we get a quick update to the pedigree.

“There's going to be residual value in there. She's out of a multiple stakes-winning mare who was capable of running in Group Ones. So, yeah, that's really why I wanted a filly. Gai's had a lot of luck with the progeny of Russian Revolution. They're tough and hardy, and take their training well.”

Later in the session, Lot 952 – A Toronado (Ire) filly out of Viennoiserie (I Am Invincible) was purchase from the Westbury Stud draft for $230,000.

“We were oversubscribed for the Russian Revolution filly and we absolutely adored the Toronado filly. If she'd come in first, you know, we'd have definitely taken her and probably been very happy with our work.” Luck said

“But because there was so much interest, all of a sudden we went again, and I'm thrilled. She's got a bit of charisma about her. Luke McDonald was pretty convinced that she was the best filly in their draft, and he's such a good judge that it was pretty difficult to walk away. I mean, why have one when you can have two?”

As for the make-up of the Lucky Down Under Syndicate, Luck has been blown away with the interest – from both sides of the world, therefore the decision to double up, and buy two fillies.

“I think it's going to be a good blend of Aussies and UK owners. And obviously, to get a couple of fillies and to have them with Gai and Adrian, it's a great thing as well. You tend to watch Australian racing and think, 'Wow.' Having Gai train it is the closest you can get to greatness, isn't it? I'm thrilled.”

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