The Kosciuszko slot holder Matt Cowling has picked Mogo Magic and Opal Ridge as his two chances in this year’s $2 million race.
Mogo Magic.
Matt Cowling will be the envy of all NSW racing fans today after the Goulburn punter and racehorse owner incredibly picked up two slots in the $2 million The Kosciuszko.
With tickets drawn at 10 a.m. on Sky Thoroughbred Central, Cowling watched the draw live with vested interest.
The minute he confirmed he was a dual ticket holder, he acted quickly, picking his horse, the unbeaten Mogo Magic ($7.50), from the Scott Collings yard.
He also picked the Luke Pepper-trained Opal Ridge ($3.90), which is the current race favourite, giving him two sensational chances of winning the biggest race in country NSW and life-changing prize money.
“It’s unreal; it’s a dream come true,” Cowling told NSW Country and Picnic Racing.
“I got a bit emotional; I was there with my son, and it’s just a great feeling.
“Goulburn is racing today, and I’m heading out there, and Sky want me to do an interview, and to be honest, I’m still coming to terms with it all.”
The slots belong to Cowling and his immediate family, and when asked about the process of picking his two runners, he explained that it was all about ensuring he had the best chances possible.
“When I saw the three Goulburn ticket holders, and they said one of them belonged to the same person, I thought I was in for a good chance,” Cowling said.
“I had bought a few tickets, probably more than I thought I would, and that’s when I started flicking through them.
“Scott Henman is the manager for Mogo Magic, and I spoke with him, and he said a mate at Harden had won a ticket, too, and he wanted to see if he was going to take Mogo (Magic) if I didn’t get a ticket, and he said to call Racing NSW.
“That’s when I heard the good news that I had won two, and I was quick to jump on another good horse.
The Luke Pepper-trained Opal Ridge. Image: Bradley Photos.
“It is 60/40 with both, and they gave me the minimum I could get, but I’m happy with that as they are two great horses.”
It will be a nervous wait for the 41-year-old ahead of the $2 million race at Royal Randwick on October 14.
“I won’t be able to sleep, and I definitely won’t be able to sleep the week before the race,” Cowling laughed.
“It’s a great concept, and It’s a family thing now with Mogo Magic racing; my mum and dad go to the races, and it’s the same with my five kids, their partners, and my wife, and it’s a real thrill every time he wins, and just such a great atmosphere.
“To potentially win The Kosciuszko with Mogo (Magic); it would be unreal, and a dream come true.”
Five horses have been snapped up for The Kosciuszko, with fellow Goulburn ticket winner Garry Dyson picking the Matthew Dale-trained Front Page, which won the race in 2022.
North Gosford ticket winner Grant Binns was also quick to act, securing the David McColm-trained Far Too Easy, which ran second in 2022.
Scott Williams of Inverell was another lucky winner quick to pick his horse, opting fo the Country Championships runner-up Talbragar from the Cody Morgan yard.
Nine slots remain in this year’s The Kosciuszko, but they will no doubt fill up quickly as more announcements are made today and this weekend.
Part-owner of Mogo Magic and Harden Race Club President Nathan Schofield said, “The syndicate will get 60%. Mogo Magic will trial later today, I’m on my way there now.”
The syndicate invested heavily in tickets, however, the ticket which won, was separate to the syndicate’s tickets. Nathan said, “He took Mogo straight away and spoke with Scott Henman who was dealing with it all. Matt just rang Scotty and the phone has been ringing hot all day, but he had already been snapped up.”
Jeff Hanson and Matt Stadtmiller
