UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill, jockey William Pike has secured victory at the $1.5 million Gold Rush at Ascot for the second time, riding the Victorian-trained horse Rey Magnerio to a thrilling win. Just moments ago, the race concluded with Rey Magnerio edging out competition to take first place, marking a significant milestone in Pike’s career.
Pike, who previously won the inaugural race with The Astrologist, demonstrated tactical brilliance from the start. He positioned Rey Magnerio in fourth place, just three lengths behind the leader, Overpass, who was the favorite at $4.80. As the horses approached the home turn, Pike urged Rey Magnerio to move wide, setting the stage for an exhilarating finish.
With only a length to make up at the 150m mark, Pike pushed Rey Magnerio forward, and the horse responded spectacularly, claiming the lead just 100m from the finish line. Despite a strong late challenge from Cosmic Crusader, the favorite at $2.90, Rey Magnerio held on to win by a long neck in what was his first attempt at 1400m.
This victory is particularly sweet for Pike, who missed out on last year’s win due to an injury sustained in an e-scooter accident. Trainer Robbie Griffiths expressed his joy, stating, “What fun he’s been for all of us and he just has a crack,” emphasizing the horse’s determination and his own pride in the achievement.
Griffiths made a bold decision to enter Rey Magnerio in the Gold Rush after the horse’s impressive performance in the recent Winterbottom Stakes. The late entry fee of just over $30,000 now seems trivial compared to the winner’s prize of $822,000. “It was such an easy decision to say let’s wait two weeks and have another crack,” Griffiths said.
The trainer credited stable foreman Reid Balfour for his outstanding management of Rey Magnerio during the horse’s preparation. “He’s such a great horseman and I ran the business from Melbourne knowing that Rey’s in the best of hands with him,” Griffiths added.
Looking ahead, Griffiths confirmed plans to return in April for the prestigious Quokka, set to be another thrilling sprinting event in Western Australia.
Pike’s win today marked a personal milestone, as it was his fourth victory on the card, following wins on Soldanelle, Magna’s Choice, and Storyville. Reflecting on Rey Magnerio’s performance, Pike noted, “I learned something about him: he waits when he hits the front.” This insight from his previous race allowed him to execute a winning strategy today.
As the excitement of the Gold Rush settles, fans and racing enthusiasts are left buzzing about Rey Magnerio’s potential for future races. With this victory, not only has Pike solidified his reputation as WA’s top jockey, but Griffiths has also showcased the strength of his training program, leaving the racing world eager for what’s next.
