Shaun Dwyer is once again making headlines in the racing world.
Over twenty years ago, the former Group 1 champion Regimental Gal thrust the relatively unknown trainer Shaun Dwyer into the national limelight. Fast forward to today, and Dwyer is eager to relive those remarkable moments as he prepares to present DragonneRouge in the highly anticipated $3 million Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast this Saturday.
Regimental Gal, purchased for $16,500 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales, went on to amass an impressive $1.61 million in prize money from seven wins out of 17 races. Among her notable achievements were victories in the Magic Millions Classic in 2003, as well as triumphs in the prestigious Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington and the Group 1 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley in 2004.
Now, with DragonneRouge—a name inspired by a French champagne—Dwyer finds himself with a $51 underdog, hoping for another celebration on Magic Millions day. Despite acknowledging that he may never have another standout like Regimental Gal in his stables, Dwyer sees great potential in DragonneRouge.
"She’s a very good filly, and I can’t see any reason why she won’t achieve greater success in Black-Type races," he remarked confidently.
Originally hailing from Mackay, Dwyer spent 13 years in Victoria riding the wave of success that came with Regimental Gal's fame before returning to Queensland three years ago. DragonneRouge, a daughter of Dracarys, was acquired for $50,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales and has already generated over $271,000 in prize money for her owners.
For this race, she will be ridden by Michael Rodd, who was aboard Regimental Gal for most of her wins, except during her two Group 1 victories when jockey Steven King filled in for the suspended Rodd.
Dwyer believes that DragonneRouge is ready to deliver a stellar performance following her eighth-place finish against Chris and Corey Munce's Lonhro’sQueen in the Listed Nudgee Stakes at Eagle Farm on January 3.
"We drew the outside in the Nudgee and ended up on the fence, which was the least favorable part of the track," Dwyer explained. "She was in second place just 50 meters past the post. I had her blood tested last Friday, and she’s in excellent condition."
In her debut season, she claimed victory in three out of her four starts, including the Listed Galaway Gal at Eagle Farm in April, before taking a break after finishing fifth in the $1 million Magic Millions National Classic at the Gold Coast in May.
"Back then, I didn’t realize how talented she truly is," Dwyer admitted. "I never imagined she would progress from winning her maiden race at a Sunshine Coast event to clinching a Listed race by her third start. Magic Millions races are notoriously tough to win, but I believe she’ll be very competitive given her impressive training and her favorable draw in six."
Dwyer is also keeping an eye on the weather forecast, hoping for rain later in the week.
"She thrives in wet conditions, so if it rains, that won’t be an issue for her," he stated.
