3 minute read
Ladbrokes Racing Club (LRC) has secured star veteran Munhamek to compete in the second leg of Southside Racing's slot race series, the $1 million Supernova at Pakenham on Saturday, December 21.
The race will be almost 12 months to the day that champion jockey Damien Oliver piloted the Dark Angel gelding to victory in his final race ride in the race named in his honour, the Group 3 Damien Oliver Gold Rush at Ascot over 1400m.
Oliver, a Ladbrokes Ambassador, was excited to hear that the horse that helped deliver a stunning finale to his outstanding career in the saddle would be racing in the LRC slot.
"Where's the past 12 months gone?" Oliver said. "Munhamek will always hold a special place for me, giving me that fairytale finish.
"It was great to be reunited with him the other day and it just feels right with the fun work I'm doing with Ladbrokes, that Munhamek will race in our slot in this (Supernova) race. Hopefully, he's got another special win in him."
Trainer Nick Ryan has been preparing Munhamek for the 1400m feature, following a successful winter and spring campaign which netted him three consecutive victories including the Swan Hill Cup and the Listed Winter Championship at Flemington.
He has plenty of confidence in his charge.
"We're pumped to get the Ladbrokes slot. He had a good jump-out recently and went very well. He can really pull out a run fresh and he'll be primed on the day.
"Hopefully he's gives us another big thrill, like that Gold Rush win with Ollie. That was something very special and quite emotional. I don't think I'll ever top it, but winning the Supernova would be a terrific buzz, too."
Clint Hutchison, Munhamek's managing owner, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with Ladbrokes Racing Club for The Supernova.
"I am absolutely thrilled, along with the ownership group to be lining up in The Supernova thanks to the partnership with Ladbrokes. Nick Ryan and his team have targeted this race and Munhamek will be ready to perform. There was so many wonderful memories from this time last year when Ollie won The Gold Rush and hoping we can take home The Supernova in a similar fashion."
Ryan Stanaway, General Manager of Ladbrokes Racing Club, said the Club is honoured to have Munhamek racing in the LRC colours in The Supernova."The horse has been such a fantastic stalwart for Nick, Clint and the team. Who could forget that very special moment in the Gold Rush with Ollie in the saddle.."Moby Dick did us proud in The Meteorite, and with even luck we hope that Munhamek can give the Ladbrokes Racing Club plenty to cheer for."
The Ladbrokes Racing Club, which launched in February last year, offers racing fans the unique opportunity to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership across thoroughbreds, harness, and greyhound racing without the expense. With over 32,000 members, the club continues to provide unparalleled racing experiences for Ladbrokes customers.
