The firsts keep coming for Darren Weir who got his initial Gold Coast winner in the $1 million Magic Millions Cup on Saturday.
Weir's Group One-winning gelding Lucky Hussler made a triumphant return to the Gold Coast and lifted his prize money to nearly $1.8 million when he charged past plunge horse Strawberry Boy, backed from $10 to $6.
Victoria's premier trainer Weir is having a season to remember.
Apart from winning the Melbourne Cup with Prince Of Penzance, Weir has already won 142 races and more than $10 million in prize money.
However, he had never won a race at the Gold Coast and never had a runner on Magic Millions day.
"In the past we just haven't had the right horses to bring up here. But we had a couple of horses this year who looked suited and we are off to a great start," he said.
"Lucky Hussler is a Group One horse and Glen (jockey Boss) gave him a perfect run in midfield on the fence. With that type of run he was always going to prove hard to beat," Weir said.
Lucky Hussler did his early racing in Queensland when based on the Gold Coast, winning the Group Three George Moore Stakes and Group Three Vo Rogue Plate.
"He seemed to lose his way after that and we got him to send to our beachside operation at Warrnambool. Our team down there has done a great job with him," Weir said.
Since joining Weir, Lucky Hussler has won the Group One Toorak Handicap and Group One William Reid Stakes.
Lucky Hussler will now return to Victoria as Weir looks towards the Sydney autumn with the gelding.
Boss was full of praise for Lucky Hussler who he said was all heart.
"He was dynamic today and I've got so much fondness for this horse," he said.
"Even when he's not 100 per cent right he gives you 100 per cent and you can't take anything away from him today."
James McDonald deserved better fate for a daring ride on Strawberry Boy after he opened a big margin on the rest of the field on the turn but Lucky Hussler was too strong.
"He just got softened up a bit early but it was still a great run," he said.