Giga Kick wound back the clock with a gutsy Champions Sprint win in horrific conditions at Flemington.
There was controversy before the gates opened with boom 3yo colt Tentyris a late scratching on vet’s advice after getting fractious in the barriers.
The Group 1 sprint was run in driving rain, with jockeys desperate to find cover running into a brutal headwind.
Both Giga Kick and Magic Time were covered up early, before pairing off over the final furlong to engage in a stirring battle. The crowd roared as the two went neck and neck to the line, with the veteran Giga Kick sticking his neck out when it counted.
The time – 1.13.30 for the 1200m – reflected the brutal conditions and heavy track. It was a slog. But it was a stirring contest.
Fast and fearless ⚡
GIGA KICK unleashes blistering speed down the Flemington straight to take out the VRC Champions Sprint.
🎥 @wwos | #StakesDay | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/jgGIGt8P9e
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 8, 2025
It was another win for Mark Zahra, who has made this Carnival his own. Three Group 1s and eight winners across the week, a fair return for the champion hoop.
Giga Kick put trainer Clayton Douglas on the map when winning The Everest as a 3yo, at just start number five, and the driving rain didn’t dampen Douglas’ celebrations in the mounting yard as his star sprinter returned to Group 1 glory.
It was Giga Kick’s first win in the Champions Sprint at his third attempt, having run fifth in 2022 and seventh last year.
“Happy days. He’s a champ this horse and I love him,” said Douglas after the win.
“It’s actually my first Melbourne Group 1 which is really special as well. It was a great ride and what a ding-dong battle it was.”
Douglas paid tribute to Giga Kick and the impact the horse has had on his career.
“He’s done so much for my career and he’s taken me everywhere with Group 1 wins in Sydney and Queensland.”
“It’s his third go at this race. He hasn’t had a lot of luck in other years and it worked out perfect today. I was a little concerned with how the weather was, but I thought he would get through the conditions, and he prevailed.”
Giga Kick has had to overcome injury issues that have stagnated his promising career.
“He just fronts up, he’s an older horse. He missed 12 months with an injury. He’s done a tremendous job to get back to Group 1 level and I will be forever grateful for him,” said Douglas.
Mark Zahra will celebrate a big week in style. “It’s been a massive week and hopefully there’s a nice bottle of champagne there for me now,” said Zahra.
