Malebo Magic handed Benalla hobby trainer Jim Scott one of his biggest thrills in racing when he charged to victory in the $11,000 Holbrook Cup (1400m) on Saturday.
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Ridden by Richard Bensley, Malebo Magic ($13) defied his long price and a wide barrier to score a comfortable 2¾-length victory over Soward ($8) and Tocumwal Cup winner Thetoppie ($7).
“It was one of my biggest thrills in racing,” Scott said.
“I only race my own horses and they are cheap buys and winning any cup is fantastic.
“He is a terrific little horse and that was probably the biggest win of his career.
“There were 12 runners in the race that had won 72 races between them, so it is not like he beat a field of no hopers.”
Scott prepares a small team of horses as he travels around the country trying to win races to pay for his holiday.
Malebo Magic won two races in South Australia at Streaky Bay and Port Lincoln last month and has also raced in Alice Springs.
“I like to travel with my horses and that’s how I get my fun out of racing,” he said.
“I have been going over to South Australia about the same time every year for the past eight years.
“I love it over there and also do a bit of fishing and take the horses with me.
“Malebo Magic has made four trips to South Australia and won on three occasions.
“He has also raced at Roxby Downs, Alice Springs, Mount Isa and Birdsville — so he knows how to sit in a truck.”
Malebo Magic has proved a terrific buy after Scott purchased the six-year-old from Wangratta trainer John Ledger for $2000 in 2010.
From 67 starts for Malebo Magic has the handy record of nine wins and 20 placings for $65,000 in career earnings.
Scott said the Deniliquin Cup was a likely target for Malebo Magic’s next start.