Jockey Jamie Kah claimed her maiden Adelaide Group 1 success when steering Coco Sun to victory in the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.
Trained by Tony & Calvin McEvoy, the three-year-old filly was on the quick seven-day backup after finishing third in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) seven days prior.
Having stepped cleanly from the barriers, Jamie Kah took her time to get Coco Sun (+400) towards the front of the field, and could not have landed a better spot, on the heels of race leader Air Assault (+3300) leaving the home straight.
Coco Sun managed to stalk the leader throughout and despite a majority of rivals making their move approaching the home turn, Kah bided her time perfectly and turning for home, Coco Sun kicked clear.
Warmonger (+550) made up a stack of ground from the rear of the field, with Air Assault sticking on for third.
There was to be no doubting the winner though, as Jamie Kah celebrated maiden Group 1 success at her old stomping ground.
2024 Group 1 SA Derby Replay – Coco Sun
Coco Sun’s victory was Tony & Calvin McEvoy’s first success in the SA Derby, and Tony was quite impressed following the race.
“Very exciting. These are the races we like to win,” he said.
“This filly, she’s a really good filly. Calvin (co-trainer and son) was here last week, and both he and Jamie (Kah) were so bullish about backing her up.
“Jamie had so much faith in her. She said to me she wanted to bounce out and put her there, and the only question I had was the 2500 (metres), but you don’t argue with Jamie Kah.
“She gave her just a beautiful trip and the filly stayed it beautifully.”
Following her win on The Map in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup the race prior, Jamie Kah secured a clean sweep of the Morphettville features on SA Derby Day.
“I had a great ride today. I had a great ride last weekend, but it obviously didn’t go my way,” Kah said.
“Today it did, and for the old boss too. He’s put up with me for a long time.
“I had so many years here riding with Tony and so many winners and he looked after me so well, so it’s nice to repay him.
“He put up with a lot of rubbish back in the day too.
“All that I wanted to do was ride a Group 1 winner in Adelaide in front of Mum and Dad and family, and all those that have supported me.”
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