Local trainer Bryan Guy finally savoured success on a harrowing day with the most frustrating horse he has ever trained when he won the $500,000 Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.Masai Pride, the bane of countless punters across Australia, finally put it altogether and justified the belief Guy has always had in him when he snatched a last stride victory in Saturday's 1400m feature.Guy was earlier a forlorn figure after Bareena was beaten in the Mares event and Jazz Heart was narrowly defeated
Local trainer Bryan Guy finally savoured success on a harrowing day with the most frustrating horse he has ever trained when he won the $500,000 Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast.
Masai Pride, the bane of countless punters across Australia, finally put it altogether and justified the belief Guy has always had in him when he snatched a last stride victory in Saturday's 1400m feature.
Guy was earlier a forlorn figure after Bareena was beaten in the Mares event and Jazz Heart was narrowly defeated in the Magic Millions Trophy but Masai Pride came to the fore when it mattered most.
"I knew if the real Masai Pride turned up today he would hard to beat," Guy said.
"He worked sensationally on Tuesday and I was surprised to see him settle so close but that more than makes up for a rough day."
Masai Pride is owned by Guy's wife Kerry and his most loyal stable clients Jimmy and Betty Forsyth and the win left the affable trainer overcome with emotion.
"He's easily the most frustrating horse I have ever trained," he said.
"He misses the kick by five and 10 lengths some days and early on I thought he might have developed into the best horse I had ever trained," Guy said.
"To win this race for Jimmy and Betty and my wife is absolutely fantastic. They have had horses with us for 40 years and you just don't find loyalty like that in racing these days."
Gold Coast jockey Paul Hammersley was having his first ride on Masai Pride but he produced a masterly display to get the barrier rogue to jump on terms with the field and then do his best in the straight.
Masai Pride ($41) lunged right on the line to snatch a narrow win over the fast finishing Black Piranha ($7.50) who steamed home from well back with early leader Voice Commander ($7.50) clinging to third.
Hammersley was still bleeding from the mouth when he returned to scale, a wound he suffered after he partnered Motown Lady to a close-up third in the Magic Millions Classic, but the victory quickly eased his pain.
"He did everything right today and made me look good," Hammersley said.
"He was travelling really behind them and he picked up well when I went for him and was too strong on the line."