Jim Cassidy looks to the heavens after scoring his 100th Group 1 aboard Zoustar. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited
RING-A-Ding Ding, Jimmy Cassidy really is the undisputed King.
The Pumper finally notched his 100th career Group 1 yesterday after he charged away to victory on $18 million colt Zoustar in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m).
Cassidy's marvellous milestone was overshadowed during the week by the drawn-out sale of Zoustar to Widden Stud.
But there was no denying Cassidy's day in the sun at Flemington after he took Zoustar ($2) to the front 100m from home and beat Not Listenin' tome ($11) by two lengths, with Lion OF Belfort ($15) third.
To think it was 30 years ago Cassidy won his first Melbourne Cup on Kiwi, and became just the third hoop after George Moore and Roy Higgins to reach a ton.
Jim Cassidy wins the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Zoustar at Flemington. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Limited
What made the effort extra special was the fact he did it for trainer and fellow New Zealander Chris Waller, who he hugged in the enclosure, then whispered: "I love you, mate.''
"It's hard to describe, I never thought about riding 100 Group 1 winners, and the dream was to ride in the Melbourne Cup and win one,'' Cassidy, 50, said.
"It probably hasn't sunk in, but to be mentioned with Roy and George Moore ... we're talking amazingly-talented jockeys.
"It's been hard to do, I've had my ups and downs, but to me they're all great memories, there isn't one bad one among them. It's a marvellous feat. It's been a roller-coaster, but I've hung in there, and never run away from anything.
"Who knows, I might ride another 10, 15 or 20 yet. My body will tell me. While I keep getting my opportunities, I'll keep going.''
Punters must be wondering now just how many majors Cassidy will win before he retires.
Waller hopes Cassidy can add another on Tuesday when he rides Hakwspur in the Melbourne Cup.
While full of praise for Zoustar, Waller made a point of commending Cassidy.
"He's won 100 of them. That's unbelievable,'' Waller said.
"He's been riding 30 years, and how many sportsmen stay a the top of their game for that long? I don't know how many.''
TITLE: Jimmy's first Group 1
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CAPTION: Jim Cassidy's first Group 1.
Zoustar was sold to Widden Stud on Wednesday for $14 million, with the owners sweating on a whopping $4 million bonus if he won yesterday. There will be one more bonus of $2 million should he win another Group 1.
Waller said it was his dream to take Zoustar to England for the Royal Ascot carnival, but was unsure what would happen in the autumn, which will be his last before he goes to stud.
Zoustar jumped and was left without cover, and appeared to get his head up not long after the field jumped. But as Cassidy said, ``the others had engines, but mine had a jet engine''.
"He's a freak this horse, he's gone to another level, and every hurdle that has been put in front of him he's jumped,'' Cassidy said.
Then on Waller, Cassidy said: ``If he wasn't a horse trainer, he'd be a magician. I've been lucky to ride for some great trainers over 30 years, but it's mind-boggling what he's doing and the way he takes horses to the next level.''
Zoustar will definitely head to the paddock with no thoughts to run in next Saturday's Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic (1200m) against the older horses.
02 Nov, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/jim-cassidy-goes-from-kiwi-to-the-group-1-king-aboard-zoustar/story-fndpqu3p-1226752087662?from=public_rss
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