Shocking's I'm Thunderstruck Opens Stakes Account in Group 1 Toorak

Mark Smith - Saturday October 9

With two of the top chances in Saturday’s $1million Group 1 Hyland Race Colours Toorak Hcp (1600m) at Caulfield, Rich Hill Stud’s Melbourne Cup hero Shocking looked to have a stranglehold on the race.

While last start Group III Sandown Stakes winner Elephant will live to fight another day, the heavily backed I’m Thunderstruck will head to Sydney for the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Gardens on October 30 following his dramatic victory.

I'm Thunderstruck finishes strongly (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

Jye McNeil had a torrid ride on the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained favourite.

Forcing through a needle eye opening in the straight, I’m Thunderstruck defeated Tofane (Ocean Park) by three-quarter of a length with the same distance back to Superstorm (Sebring) in third.

“He really had to earn it today. A couple of different riders were out there to target him, which I suppose they’re entitled to at some stage,” McNeil said.

“I thought it was a really brave effort the way he handled himself, even at the top of the straight we had to get a little bit physical to find clear space and then Tofane challenged late.

Advertisement

“He was super tough.”

Mick Price said the 4yo son of Shocking had plenty to overcome.

“It was a tough race to watch. He didn’t get a moment’s rest.

“He didn’t get a chance to relax and travel. They were playing jockeys,” Price said.

“They were trying to keep the favourite in, and for him to keep fighting, for a young inexperienced horse, it was a massive effort.”

 “He is a big flashy kind of horse and I never thought it would come this soon with him. It’s very exciting. Hopefully he pulls up well.

“We blended prep two and prep three together. Now we’ve got three weeks until the Golden Eagle.

“Terry, Shane and Gus and all the team at OTI go back a long way as do Terry and I.

“I looked after one of William Haggas’ at Werribee and it won on Stakes Day (Fastnet Tempest). A thrill for everyone involved.”

I'm Thunderstruck Jye McNeil

I’m Thunderstruck made his maiden stakes win count with his top level success advancing his record to five wins and two thirds from eight starts with earnings of $902,400.

A half-brother to stakes-placed Cantstopthefeeling (Swiss Ace), I’m Thunderstruck is out of the lightly raced Primadonna Girl (Edenwold) who hails from the family of Group II winner Reno Belle and Listed winner Disco Bob.

I’m Thunderstruck becomes the 15th stakes-winner for Shocking and his second Group 1 winner after NZ Oaks heroine Fanatic.

Shocking stands at Rich Hill Stud for a fee of $8,500.

Advertisment

Race Result - Toorak Hcp Gr1 1600m

Caulfield Track: Good(3) Time: 1:34.87
1
I'm Thunderstruck
- 4g Shocking (AUS) x Primadonna Girl (NZ) (Edenwold (CAN))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Jye McNeil 52
2
0.8
Tofane
- 6m Ocean Park (NZ) x Baggy Green (AUS) (Galileo (IRE))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: Craig Williams 58
3
1.6
Superstorm
- 5g Sebring (AUS) x Stormy Nova (AUS) (Metal Storm (FR))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: D Oliver 56.5
Sebring
4
2.0
Quantum Mechanic
- 5m Deep Field (AUS) x Life In A Metro (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: C Newitt 52.5
5
2.5
Embolism
- 4g Shamus Award (AUS) x Peggie's Choice (AUS) (Ihtiram (IRE))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Damien Thornton 52
6
2.9
Lunar Fox
- 4h Foxwedge (AUS) x Grant's Moon (USA) (Malibu Moon (USA))
Tnr: P A Preusker Rdr: B Prebble 54
7
3.4
Second Slip
- 5g Alamosa (NZ) x Scarlet O'Hara (NZ) (Fast 'n' Famous (AUS))
Tnr: Will Clarken Rdr: Ms L J Meech 52
8
3.8
Elephant
- 5g Shocking (AUS) x Ticklish (NZ) (Maroof (USA))
Tnr: E & D Browne Rdr: Damian Lane 55.5
9
3.9
So You Assume
- 4m So You Think (NZ) x Remlaps Jewel (AUS) (Choisir (AUS))
Tnr: S P Nichols Rdr: D Yendall 52
10
9.9
Irish Flame
- 7g Zed (NZ) x Fleur De L'orient (NZ) (Thunder Gulch (USA))
Tnr: Brett Scott Rdr: Matthew Cartwright 52
11
14.9
Dice Roll
- 7g Showcasing (GB) x Schlague (FR) (Pulpit (USA))
Tnr: Nick Ryan Rdr: Fred W Kersley 53.5
12
49.9
Sierra Sue
- 5m Darci Brahma (NZ) x Centree (NZ) (Centaine (AUS))
Tnr: T Busuttin & N Young Rdr: D Moor 56
More Reading...
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Victorian Raider Plunders the $7.5million Golden Eagle
Following his win in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap, I’m Thunderstruck plundered the first prize of $4,100,000 in Saturday’s XXXX Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
I'm Thunderstruck Claims Makybe Diva in a Thriller
Standing up the game Alligator Blood three lengths at the 200m, I’m Thunderstruck added a second Group 1 with a last stride triumph in a thrilling PFD Food Services Makybe Diva (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Shock Passing of I’m Thunderstruck
Tragic news yesterday from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr stable with the loss of stable star I’m Thunderstruck due to a post-surgical complication resulting in him being euthanised.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.