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Thoroughbred Breeders News: That's the Spirit!

19 December 2017

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There's exciting times ahead for the Queensland breeding industry, according to TBQA President, Basil Nolan.

"We witnessed an amazing effort by Eureka Stud's first season sire and former Queensland Champion galloper, Spirit of Boom on Saturday with two juveniles winning two stakes races," said Mr Nolan.

"I can't remember the last time a First Season sire had two Listed winners before Christmas."

The back to back double started with Ef Troop (pictured) in race 3 at Doomben, the $100,000 Cascade Phelan Ready Stakes (1110m), then the girls were not to be outdone and Outback Barbie took out the very next, the $100,000 Canadian Club Galaway Gal Stakes (1110m).

Both horses are trained by Tony Gollan, who guided their sire to national success and a cult following alongside his brother Temple of Boom.

Ef Troop, by Spirit of Boom out of Limealicious, has now had two wins from two starts and already earnt $128,700 in prizemoney, which has more than returned the $70,000 outlay to purchase him at the Magic Millions Sales.

The gelding will head into the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic next month as one of the favourites after he demolished the field and gave a display of sustained sped to beat Crockett by 5- 1/4 lengths. Sydney colt Commissioner was a further 6-1/4 lengths back in third.

Gollan was quick to declare Ef Troop the best early-season two-year-old he had ever trained.

"Yes, he is by far the best. He is a very good colt," Gollan said.

"He will not have another race start leading into the Millions but we have the option of a trial before the race."

Winning jockey Matt McGillivray gave up key rides in Sydney, including the Liam Birchley trained Crack Me Up who went on to win the Villiers, to stay in Brisbane to ride Ef Troop.

"I have always had great faith in this horse and he is very smart," McGillivray said.

And if that victory was sweet, you couldn't wipe the smile from Gollan's face after the $100,000 Canadian Club Calaway Gal Stakes (1110m) when Jim Byrne led Outback Barbie to a smart first-up win.

Outback Barbie held on to win by a long neck to Granny Red Shoes with a neck to Witherspoon.

Gollan said Ef Troop looked the better horse, but Outback Barbie would also be improved on her way to the Millions.

“Ef Troop has run a much faster time but don’t forget he had a start before today,” Gollan said.

“It was Outback Barbie’s first start and she will improve greatly.”

“Like Ef Troop she will go to have a short break on the farm and then come back where she will have a jump-out or trial before the Magic Millions Classic.”

Gollan said the fact both his horses were by Spirit Of Boom, who stands at Eureka Stud, gave him a real thrill.

“I have watched them all come through and not just my horses. He was a great racehorse for me and now he is already proving a great sire,” Gollan said.

Mr Nolan said this was a fantastic achievement by Spirit of Boom and there's promising times ahead for the young stallion.

"Congratulations to Tony Gollan, Scott McAlpine and all the team at Eureka, this is a great result for the Queensland breeding industry and I'm confident there's big things ahead."