Icing on the cake for Hryhorec
Lochinvar Magic’s win in the feature 2025 Ladbrokes SA Sires Produce Stakes (2230m) at Globe Derby Park on Monday was the icing on the cake for a record-equalling result for trainer Ryan Hryhorec.
Hryhorec, who trains at Two Wells, prepared five winners on the 10-race program to equal his best day at the office.
In a record-breaking season which sees Hryhorec lead the SA Trainers premiership with 121 winners, 70 ahead of his closest rival, he has prepared five winners at a meeting twice previously, both this year. On April 5 at the Strathalbyn meeting at Globe Derby Park, then on August 30 at Globe Derby Park.
His winners on Monday were Star Of Patrick in the Hahn Super Dry 3.5 Trotters Mobile (1800m), Ideology in the Seymour Group 2YO Trotters Mobile (1800m), Torque Intheusa in the Bargain Steel Centre Pace (1800m), Ebonys Avenger in the Ladbrokes Quick Multi Pace (2230m) and Lochinvar Magic in the SA Sires Produce.
Danielle Hill drove Star Of Patrick, Ebonys Avenger and Lochinvar Magic while Hryhorec was in the sulky for Ideology and Torque Intheusa.
“It has been a crazy good season,” Hryhorec said.
“To have 121 winners with still just over a month left in the season is amazing.
“More importantly for our owners, the horses have won nearly $670,000 in stakes, incredible for here South Australia but showing the industry is on a healthy trajectory. My previous best was about $400,000.”
Hryhorec said he had always held Lochinvar Magic in high regard and the colt gave him, his first training success in the time-honoured SA Sires Produce Stakes.
A well backed $2.40 favourite, Lochinvar Magic, driven by Danielle Hill, came from last for a one metre win from Art Regal ($15) with Splash Of Paynt ($6), a gallant third, 11 metres away.
It was Hill’s third win in the feature having won on Canada Bay in 2017 then Bay Jim Major last year.
There was good early speed with Imposter Boy ($2.70) finding the front from barrier two and holding out an early challenge from Splash Of Paynt which had begun quickly from gate five.
The front pair kept up a good tempo which suited the run-on pacers.
Art Regal, which had been second last, came wide with a lap to go and Hill was able to trail up on his back.
Josh Holberton took Art Regal to the front turning for home with a good sprint, but Lochinvar Magic moved up grab the lead and victory.
Hryhorec said Lochinvar Magic had come into his stable in March this year after a win and unplaced run at Penrith in New South Wales.
“He won and ran second at his first two runs for me, but I could see he was having trouble breathing,” Hryhorec said.
“I said to Kevin (Gordon, the owner) that we should consider a throat operation because I believed he had a lot of potential.
“It can be a risky op, but I felt there was nothing to lose as without it he would never fulfil his potential. Fortunately, it worked and he is going great.
“He won the SAHRC Derby, and now the SA Sires Produce, and in between he ran well in the SA Derby.
“The pace on suited him in the Sires and Dani got a great trail into the race.
“He has probably done enough to earn a break but there is the $25,000 Kevin & Kay Seymour Feature (2230m) on December 26 for SA-trained horses which would be ideal.
“It is for 60-74 rated horses and gives him a chance to have a good draw and is over a distance which suits him perfectly.
“I see how he pulls up after Monday and have a chat with the owner before making a decision.”
- Graham Fischer
- Photo Walter Bulyga