Triple Crown star Mazu has etched his name into the record books with a breathtaking victory in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes at Royal Randwick, becoming the first horse to win the race three years in succession.
The evergreen seven-year-old produced another performance full of grit and class, underlining his status as one of Australia’s most durable and consistent elite sprinters.
Ridden confidently by Rachel King, Mazu exploded from the barriers and used his trademark early speed to take up the running. From there, he controlled the race throughout, travelling strongly and giving a bold sight turning for home.
As the field straightened, the challengers came. King’s Secret and Private Eye loomed large over the final furlong, setting up a thrilling finish. But Mazu, as he has done so many times before, refused to yield. Digging deep, he pinned his ears back and fought with tremendous determination to hold them at bay and secure yet another remarkable victory.
The win capped off another superb Autumn Carnival for the son of Maurice, which included a slashing third-place finish, beaten just a half-head, in the Group 1 Galaxy two starts prior. His latest triumph also pushed his career prizemoney to an outstanding $10,881,700.
“It’s a remarkable achievement for Mazu,” said Triple Crown’s Sam Manion post-race. “He has been racing at the elite level since he was an early two-year-old and he’s still winning these races as a seven-year-old. He’s a healthy horse with a real will-to-win, which was on full display there on Saturday.”
Congratulations to trainer Joe Pride, jockey Rachel King, and all the owners of Mazu on an extraordinary achievement.
Winning owners: Triple Crown Syndications, Mr M A De Stoop, Mr D Da Silva, Mrs V B Mossman, Mr M D Garreffa, Mr R G Edge, Ms S P Hopkins, Mr K F May, Mr G B Clark, Mr L Caminiti, Dr F McCourt, Mr A J Prince, Dr M Healy, Mr M L Spilstead.