Jamie Melham and Ciaron Maher have combined with Another Wil (+240) to claim an emotional victory in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, giving the McKenna family their first Group 1 success since Colin McKenna’s passing in late 2024.
The son of Street Boss had failed to claim an elusive Group 1 in his first three attempts, but it would be his fourth try that would see him win at the top level.
Schwarz (+750) pushed forward from his middle barrier to take up the lead, with the online bookmaker’s favourite, Mr Brightside (+150), following him through to settle outside the leader, while Another Wil and Private Life (+800) settled behind the top two with cover.
Blake Shinn made sure the gallop was strong aboard Schwarz, but Craig Williams on Mr Brightside didn’t let him get to far in front, sitting a length off the leader until the 600m mark.
Turning into the home straight, Williams gave Mr Brightside more rein, and he took over quickly; however, Another Wil, who stalked the favourite everywhere he went, was taking ground off the leader in the final 200m.
Just when it looked as though Mr Brightside was going to claim another C.F. Orr Stakes, Another Wil lifted in the final strides to run over the top of the vulnerable leader to claim his maiden Group 1 success.
Ciaron Maher was emotional in his post-race interview following the victory.
“It’s beautiful. I think it’s the first one that Col and Janice bred, so to win a Group 1 is very, very special,” Maher said.
“Colin always loved this horse in particular.
“I’ve resisted the temptation to take him to that top level because he’s needed time to mature and Col was always very patient and it’s probably not fitting that he can’t be here.
“He just would have been so thrilled, but I’m pretty proud and he’s just such a great mentor, friend and supporter. It’s just beautiful.
“It’s great for Janice and all his friends and family.
“He always included everyone and a lot of them are in the horse and Jamie, she was very close to him as well.
“They were big supporters of hers through tough times, so it’s phenomenal.
“What a thrilling race. Brightside, he’s such a tough old bugger to get past.
“I was thrilled, and hopefully over the next 12 months, couple of years he can really go on with it now.
“He’ll just go through the weight-for-age path. We’ll see what sort of weight he gets up in Sydney as to the big miles up there, but we’ll celebrate this one and he’s got plenty of options now.
“The All-Star Mile seems like a natural progression for him, and he’s got good form at Flemington as well, so the All-Star seems fitting as well.”
Jamie Melham was just as emotional when she spoke post-race.
“I thought about this day, I dreamed about it the last few days, but it’s amazing that things like this happen in racing,” Melham said.
“There’s a God in racing…this horse has deserved it for so many starts, but to do it for Col after his birthday on Tuesday is just amazing.
“I know he’s watching down on us and Another Wil lifted for his dad. That was amazing.
“I thought at the 200 he’s going to run another terrific second in a Group 1, but as soon as I switched the whip it’s just like he just picked up.
“He did that at Flemington, he hits a bit of a flat spot and doesn’t really go, and you think he’s going to run a nice race, but then he just finds another leg.
“That was an amazing win.
“I don’t think I’m talking sense right now, this is just gibberish, but Col that’s for you. We love you.”
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