Mr Brightside’s renowned toughness was on full display as he fought hard to secure victory in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Sent out as the $1.70 favorite, the seven-year-old gelding surged to the lead under Craig Williams after tracking the pace early. However, he had to dig deep in the straight, first fending off I Wish I Win on the outside before holding off a late challenge from Tom Kitten between runners.
The official margin was a half-head to Tom Kitten ($9.50) with I Wish I Win ($7.50) just a head further back in third. Meanwhile, three-year-old Evaporate ran a gallant fourth after covering extra ground.
Trainer Ben Hayes, who conditions Mr Brightside alongside his brothers JD and Will, expressed his admiration for the stable’s star performer.
“To see him win like that—it’s not easy on the heart, but we are so proud of him,” Hayes said.
“We’re incredibly passionate about this horse. We know how good he is, and he keeps proving it. He’s the most important horse we’ve ever had the privilege of training.”
Mr Brightside’s ninth Group 1 victory sees him surpass Lindsay Park legend Better Loosen Up in top-level wins, a milestone that holds deep significance for the Hayes family.
“That really shows just how special he is,” Will Hayes said.
“Better Loosen Up was such a huge part of our childhood, and now to have a horse that’s not just in the same conversation but arguably surpassing him—it’s incredible.
“We’ve had many great horses at Lindsay Park, but to have a champion like him so early in our careers is something truly special.”
Jockey Craig Williams, who has ridden Mr Brightside in 38 of his 42 starts, said his faith in the horse never wavered, even after a first-up defeat to Another Wil in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m).
“He does all the running—full credit to him,” Williams said.
“The Hayes team presents him so well on race day. I can make all these plans, but I have complete confidence in him because I’ve known him since his third start.
“They’ve developed him into an elite racehorse, and he makes my job easy. Every time I ride him, I know I have so many options.”
The stable confirmed that Mr Brightside will next target the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m), a race he won in 2023, before heading to Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile on April 27.