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2026 09 03

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They say you’re never too old to try new things and while Giga Kick might be about to kick-off his seven-year-old season – new territory awaits Clayton Douglas’s star sprinter this spring.

7YO Giga still has a Kick left

They say you’re never too old to try new things and while Giga Kick might be about to kick-off his seven-year-old season – new territory awaits Clayton Douglas’s star sprinter this spring.Resuming in the $750,000 Group 1 Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes will mark the chestnuts first time in 24 race starts he has competed at Sandown – it is also his first time contesting the race made famous by the likes of the mighty Manikato and Black Caviar.And next he’s off to another of The Valley’s famous sprints the $2 million Group 1 Manikato Stakes for the first time on September 27, held this year where he is unbeaten at Caulfield.“They are a nice two runs for him… very good races that are well spaced for him,” Douglas explained of the program.“He has never been to Sandown and I think it’s going to be good for him especially over 1000 metres, he is a horse who likes to get back off the speed and the big long straight should suit him and hopefully he is getting over the top of them late.”While Giga Kick has seen off the likes of champions Nature Strip, I Wish I Win, Imperatriz and Bella Nipotina throughout his career – it’s a fresh batch of challengers he takes on first-up including the likes of three-year-old filly Natural Fling.“I’ve only just trained six years and he is seven so he is the longest resident,” Douglas said of his longevity.&nbsp;“He keeps a bit of work to get him up to his mark these days but we keep him busy and active and he likes variety.“To win an Everest at three, he was the one that burst on the scene at the time and he has raced a lot of good horses in his career, and to still be up and going and the form he’s in is a credit to the team. “He hasn’t taken a backward step in the last 12 months and the way he’s going this preparation we are in for a bit more fun.”With his trusty sidekick Frankie never far from his side, the gelding who Douglas describes as playful but boisterous will be out to record just his second win at 1000 metres – the first in only his second start at Flemington back in July of 2022.“The way he has trialled really well and we are looking forward to the challenge,” Douglas said.&nbsp;“The class for him will take him a hell of a long way especially with his rating and meeting horses on the up – he’s the horse who has been there and done it.“If the speed is on and they overdo it up front I think he can definitely get over the top of them.”

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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They say you’re never too old to try new things and while Giga Kick might be about to kick-off his seven-year-old season – new territory awaits the sprinter.

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