Magnificent Storm NZ connections after their Bunbury Cup win
Too big, too strong, Magnificent Storm NZ was triumphant in the $50,000 2025 Swan Draught Bunbury Cup, claiming the Group 3 feature in his comeback trail as he heads towards the $1.25million TABtouch Nullarbor in just four weeks time.
His comeback has been a turbulent one for connections, with infection threatening his career and seeing the WA star spend an extended period of time on the sidelines, but managing owner Rob Tomlinson was in no rush to bring the gelding back, and their patience has paid off, with the now eight-year-old back to his best.
Starting from barrier 10 over the 2669m trip at Bunbury on Saturday night, the Ray Williams trained and Aiden De Campo reined son of American Ideal USA worked his way to the lead in the early stages and after battle between Mister Smartee NZ and Magnificent Storm erupted in the final lap, including a 54.9 middle half, he was just too strong, claiming a 1.7m winning margin in 1:56:6.
Matt Young caught up with Rob Tomlinson straight after the race on Saturday night who was in awe of his incredible horse.
“He’s brave to be honest, I feel amazing, I just feel so happy for Ray and all the owners.
“He’s actually an amazing horse. If you knew what he had been through just to get to this point, it’s just amazing.
“I know how big of a heart he’s got.
“He was magnificent tonight, and he will take huge benefit from that again and when he backs up next time I think he will be plummed for the Nullarbor and we’re really looking forward to it.”
This was just his second race back after spending close to a year in the paddock, with Magnificent Storm struck down with injury after his last start on the 8th of December 2023 when he claimed the Gr3 The Village Kid at Gloucester Park.
Magnificent Storm NZ has had 60 starts now for 37 wins and 10 placings, with his total stake earnings to just over $1,140,000.
He has now earned himself a golden ticket into Mays Gr1 Fremantle Cup, just one week after the Nullarbor.
Mister Smartee NZ finished in fifth place in the cup, just 4.7m from the winner, with Saturday nights race the return for the now five-year-old who finished last years campaign with a win in the 4YO Golden Nugget back in December.
With five slot holders still yet to confirm their selections, there is speculation that Mister Smartee NZ is likely to be the selection for the Stephen Waters/Gary Hall Snr slot.
