Bjorn Baker was overcome with emotion after Stefi Magnetica delivered him the biggest win of his career, storming home to capture the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Known for his energetic and upbeat persona, Baker was visibly emotional following the $4 million triumph—one made all the more special by the legacy of his father, Murray Baker, a five-time winner of the Australian Derby on the same day.
“Hay fever. It’s very bad at this time of year,” the New Zealand-born Baker quipped as he fought back tears.
“I remember when Murray actually won with Nom Du Jeu and Chris Waller won his first Group One in the Doncaster that day (with Triple Honour).
“There is one bloke who will be happier for me and he’s been the biggest influence in my career, Murray, and he would be very, very proud.
“He is still giving me a bit of advice about how we could have ridden a couple of the others better or what I should have done, but it’s so special. He loves it, he has always loved Australian racing and I’m lucky to be a part of it.”
Stefi Magnetica ($18), winner of last year’s Stradbroke Handicap, rebounded after a below-par effort in the George Ryder Stakes, benefiting from a brilliant ride by Jason Collett to win by a head over Royal Patronage ($14), with Encap ($51) finishing fast for third.
“Jason Collett, he’s a bit like me, we needed a big one during The Championships. It’s very, very special,” Baker said.
“Last time I was a tad disappointed with her and it just worked out great (on Saturday). She drew a gate today, Jason (turned in a) great ride, and she’s tough. We know she performs third-up.”
Currently third in the Sydney trainers’ premiership, Baker is enjoying a standout season. Earlier in the day, his runner Overpass led the T J Smith Stakes but was narrowly beaten into second by Briasa.
For Baker, the Doncaster Mile represents the pinnacle of his achievements.
“I’m very lucky, I’m having some good days. Even Stefi Magnetica winning the Stradbroke and then winning the Brisbane Cup (with Alegron),” Baker said.
“At the end of the day it’s an iconic Sydney race and I had to win an Iconic Sydney race – I’d won a Winx Stakes, I’d won a Tancred – but that’s what makes it special.”
Collett, surprised to find himself in front, said the tempo suited and the mare’s explosive finish made the difference.
“Most of that race they went a very slow tempo but I was in the right spot and her turn of foot was electric,” Collett said.
He also joked about Baker’s race instructions, referencing a previous mishap.
“Bjorn just said, ‘get to the fence, but not like you did in the Slipper’,” Collett said.
Linebacker, the $5.50 favourite, missed the start but still ran impressively. Jockey Zac Lloyd said the effort was huge.
“Probably the best horse in the race, he just never executed,” Lloyd said.
