Horse Racing

Strongly backed Luxbet favourite Driefontein became the $2m 2012 Magic Millions Classic winner (2YO , 1200m) at the Gold Coast by protest.

Trainer Gai Waterhouse provided the first two past in the 2012 Magic Millions Classic with No Looking Back defeating Driefontein on the track with Alezan Thunder taking third.

However the 2012 Magic Millions Classic will always be remembered for the stewards controversial intervention.

Jockey Tom Berry aboard Driefontein led in a slowly run 2012 Magic Millions Classic.

His ride set it up for the leaders to rule.

Alezan Thunder Luxbet $11 settled on its outside with No Looking Back Luxbet $14 to $10, third on the fence.

Swinging for home Driefontein went wide giving jockey Nash Rawiller aboard No Looking Back ample room to come through.

Near the 200m, Driefontein held a narrow margin ahead of the other duo.

No Looking Back gradually made its way to the front from that point.

At the 70m mark, No Looking Back drifted off the fence impeding Driefontein.

Berry requested to view the footage of the 2012 Magic Millions Classic final 250m as soon as he dismounted.

He was happy enough to let the decision stand but was prompted by Racing Queensland chief steward Wade Birch to protest.

Berry did and cited interference over the final 200m in the 2012 Magic Millions Classic.

Stewards later said if Berry wouldn’t have protested, they would have.

Rawiller admitted to impeding Berry on Driefontein.

Berry told stewards No Looking Back’s actions left Driefontein “quite unbalanced”.

“You could see mine was coming back, she (No Looking Back)  got half a length on me and I have only been beaten a neck on the line.

“I would have won by at least a head.”

Stewards deliberated for a short time and upheld the 2012 Magic Millions Classic protest.

Waterhouse diplomatically remained silent during the hearing but always had a fourth Magic Millions Classic winner in her keep.

The champion trainer had previously won with Assertive Lad (2000), Excellerator (2001) and Dance Hero (2004).

Driefontein by Fastnet Rock and Follow Gold was purchased for just $75,000 by Star Thoroughbreds head Denise Martin.

Sizzling Luxbet $3.80 second favourite was the first Queensland-trained runner home in fourth.

He was stopped in his tracks mid-race and did well to finish as close as he did.

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