Lucky Magic Carpet Ride To Fly To Greater Heights

Trainer Cheng's stable star posts sub-minute win at trials unextended

- Brian Miller

The unstoppable Lucky Magic is up there and, by the looks of things, has no intention of budging.

Since winning an Open Maiden contest over the 1,200m at Sungai Besi on Aug 11, 2024, there has been no let-up.

In 12 more starts, the Winson Cheng Han Yong-trained galloper has chalked up seven more wins, including two Group 1s, the Perak Derby (2,000m) on March 2 and Penang Gold Cup (2,000m) on Dec 29, 2024, not to mention the inaugural RM1 million (S$304,000) Selangor Mile (1,600m) at his last start on July 20.

The New Zealand-bred five-year-old had to, however, win the race in the stewards' room, surviving a protest from runner-up Good Star's trainer Mahadi Taib.

Lucky Magic has also etched his name in Malaysian racing history as the last horse to win a race in Penang at its farewell meeting on May 31.

Except for a slight blip when he took fourth spot in a Supreme B race on April 12, Lucky Magic has not finished further than second in his Malaysian career.

In readiness for more glory, he turned in an inspiring performance at the trials held on the morning of Aug 19.