 Giga Kick could be the most exciting horse in Australia this Spring Carnival, and he makes his much-anticipated return to racing in the Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes on Saturday 9 September at The Valley.

Giga Kick set for epic Valley kick-off 

Giga Kick could be the most exciting horse in Australia this Spring Carnival, and he makes his much-anticipated return to racing in the Group 2 Mittys McEwen Stakes on Saturday 9 September at The Valley. The Clayton Douglas trained speedster is already a winner of seven races from ten starts and has banked his connections a whopping $9.5 million in prizemoney. Rated 120, he is officially the second-best horse in Australia, with only I Wish I Win (121) narrowly nosing him out. When asked about how he describes his stable star, Douglas says: “He’s a freak. He’s a natural athlete, he’s probably like the Chris Judd’s of the world.” It is his elite turn of foot and an ability to absorb high pressure that saw Giga Kick rise to new levels last Spring. After narrowly winning the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington, remaining unbeaten, many were still surprised when he was offered a slot in Australia’s richest race – The Everest. Craig Williams wasn’t. He went to Sydney on Caulfield Cup Day and rode the rising star to a shock victory at $21, upstaging a quality field headed by, at the time, world beater Nature Strip. Giga Kick returned in the Autumn and proved that Everest win was no fluke. He ran second to I Wish I Win in trying circumstances on a sodden Randwick track, then recorded back-to-back Group 1 wins in the All Aged Stakes and Doomben 10,000. Leading into this four-year-old season, he is the most valuable gelding in the southern hemisphere, currently holding favouritism in both the $15 million Everest and the $10 million Golden Eagle. Clayton Douglas has even installed a camera over his box so he can keep an eye out on him at all times, an investment he says is a “small price to pay” for an asset worth so much to him. Giga Kick won’t be the only drawcard in the Mittys McEwen Stakes on September 9 at The Valley though, as the race shapes up as being one of the hottest Group 2 events we’ve seen here in years. 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes winner Imperatriz will offer great resistance, as will Queensland warhorse Rothfire, last year’s winner. It will be the first time Giga Kick graces The Valley turf, and we are all pumped to see him thunder down the straight on raceday. The confidence he has instilled in his trainer was evident when we were in Mornington on Monday, as Douglas issued a subtle word of warning to his rivals. “He’s going to be very hard to beat whatever turns up, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Valley will once again play host to a leg of the National Pony Racing Series, with the Victorian event set to take place on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, Saturday 22 March.A collaboration between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), the series is designed to educate young riders on careers in the racing and breeding industry, giving them a taste of professional competition on major racedays.The series features six race meetings across Australia, culminating in the national finals in June. Before the Victorian leg, Ballarat hosted a Jumpstart weekend, where participants received riding instruction, horse health education, career insights, and rider fitness training.&nbsp;In preparation for their big moment on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day, competitors will also take part in a training day at The Valley to familiarise themselves with the track.On Saturday, two pony races will be held for state finalists aged 9 to 15. The first, over 450m at 11:30 am, is for ponies not exceeding 12.2hh, while the second, over 700m, is for ponies not exceeding 14hh. That event will take place following Race 3 on the card at 1:30 pm.&nbsp;Moonee Valley Racing Club has enjoyed its association with TIC and Pony Club Australia, providing young riders with the opportunity to gain experience on a major racing stage. The Valley hosted a leg of the first National Pony Racing Series in 2023, and last year on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day held a Shetland Pony Race.With the next generation of riders set to take centre stage once again, The Valley looks forward to another thrilling chapter in this growing series.

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