Don Hugo the 2025 Garrards Miracle Mile champion. Photo by Club Menangle - Pacepix
DON Hugo was the star and Menangle’s master reinsman Luke McCarthy the hero as the pair conquered an all-star field to win tonight’s $1m Garrards Miracle Mile.
The TAB Eureka and Inter Dominion champion added another Group 1 to his resume with a commanding one and a quarter metre over Queensland star Leap To Fame, with Tact McLeod a gutsy third, just ahead of the unlucky Swayzee.
The winner rated 1:48.3 after four quarters of 25.7, 28.5, 27.9 and 26.3.
And once again the winner repeated his effort of last week when he again defied all efforts to run him down.
“He’s a star, that’s for sure,” said McCarthy shortly after his fourth win in the great race to sit alongside his three successive wins with King Of Swing from 2020-2022.
“I took so much confidence from last week’s run when he went 1:48 sitting off the track,” said McCarthy.
“I knew he was up to this challenge tonight and he just went super.
“I expected Tact McLeod to cross and lead, so that part of the race went as I expected, and I also thought Leap To Fame would probably finish up racing outside the lead.
“But I knew this was my horse’s chance to step up and tackle this challenge.
“It all worked out perfectly.
“He’s such a fighter, this horse.
“Leap To Fame got to him but he just kept fighting him off down the straight.
“I’m thrilled for Tony Licastro and his family that he has a horse as good as Don Hugo. He deserves this success.”
A stunned owner Tony Licastro admitted he had his doubts whether his star could hold off the challenge of such champions.
“I didn’t want to say anything, but I did have my doubts,” he said.
“But those horses had every chance to go past us . . . and they couldn’t do it.
“Credit where its due, I love this horse and I loved the moment. And now I’m ging to really enjoy that win.
“To own a horse like this outright is just a dream come true.”
Fans hung around after the last race to sing along with Thirsty Merc, the much-anticipated off-track entertainment for Garrards Miracle Mile night.
Thirsty Merc performed two sets of their greatest hits, adding an incredible soundtrack to an already thrilling night.
Off the track, more than 50 stalls kept racegoers entertained at the iconic Aussie Night Markets.
For the kids there were carnival rides and roving entertainment including a meet-and-greet with Elsa and Super Mario.
Fashions on the Field saw more than $5000 cash prizes won.
