Coolmore Stud Stakes (Group 1)

JAMES McDonald took a loaded deck to a card game. Slipping the ace from his sleeve at the 300 metre mark, the Coolmore-owned Home Affairs, laid down a royal flush in the most comprehensive performance in the 1,200-metre Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby Day.

Finding and finding again, the I Am Invincible colt, whose lead-up race was a five-length ninth in the Everest against the older horses, demoralised his three-year-old rivals.

A three-length Group 1 winner for trainer Chris Waller, Home Affairs defeated the second-placed Bruckner, a Snitzel colt ridden by Johnny Allen, who held that same margin to the third-placed Flying Artie colt Artorius.

“This is what we come for,” said James McDonald. “To ride such a special colt like this, he was electric today. I couldn’t believe at the furlong that I was so far in front. That is the acceleration of this horse, he just idled through his paces early. Nothing could keep up with him and he ran out the six furlongs so strong.

“He is a weapon this horse. The temperament and mind, that is what makes these good horses. To do it for these connections who are great supporters of mine, and Sir Peter Vella is in as well, they put a lot of money in and these are the results we are after.”

The win was McDonald’s third for the day, and with a win in the last, he equalled the record of Michael Clarke as the only other to ride four on Derby Day, a feat Clarke achieved in 1990 for the David Hayes stable.

“It’s special to be here and be competing against the calibre of jockeys in that room,” said McDonald. “It’s a privilege to strap myself to a few really nice horses today. Hopefully the good week continues.”