Irish-born rider Adam Farragher reached an important milestone at Kembla Grange, securing his first Australian victory aboard the Magic Millions-bound gelding Spywire.
The achievement comes after months of hard graft under champion trainer Ciaron Maher, who acknowledged he has purposefully applied pressure on the 25-year-old before rewarding him with the ride.
“We’ve made him earn it,” Maher said.
“He’s done trackwork every day since he’s gotten here. Probably something he’s not used to, and he has done a heap of trials and a lot of work between Warwick Farm and Bong Bong.
“We’ve had him on quite a few slow ones, just to make him earn his stripes. He trialled this one up and suggested he was going very well.
“He’s a strong jockey. He can ride any weight, and his feedback is very good.
“I think he’s got a bright future.”
Maher and Farragher first crossed paths in Europe, introduced through mutual friend Jamie Spencer, and the connection ultimately paved the way for Farragher’s Australian return.
Farragher had earlier experienced Australian racing when travelling with the William Haggas-trained Dubai Honour and returned determined to establish himself in Sydney’s competitive riding ranks.
His breakthrough win arrived at just his 17th local ride, and he noted Spywire showed his class despite finding the softening track less than ideal.
“Delighted. I’m very grateful to Ciaron and the team for giving me the opportunity and the owners for letting me ride him,” Farragher said,
“I was a little bit concerned about the rain. He’s a good-moving horse and I was worried he might find it a bit tough going. He handled the conditions well, I wouldn’t say he relished them.
“The wheels were spinning a little bit, and you’ll see him to much better effect on a firmer surface.”
A promising juvenile who placed behind Storm Boy in the 2024 Magic Millions Classic (1200m), Spywire has now booked himself another trip to the Gold Coast for January’s Magic Millions Sprint following his strong first-up success.
Carrying 61kg, Spywire ($10) proved too good, defeating Hawker Hall ($4.60 fav) by three-quarters of a length, with Couples Retreat ($5) a further three lengths behind.
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