Hygain presents “Blast from the past”

The year was 2007 and enthusiasts were treated to an Australasian first when freakish youngster Lombo Pocket Watch claimed a slice of history at Moonee Valley.

Already the nation’s highest stakes winning two-year-old, and the only freshman to claim the Australian Horse of the Year title the previous season, Lombo Pocket Watch became the Southern Hemisphere’s first million dollar stake-winning juvenile.

The ‘Million Dollar Baby’ broke through the magical mark by capturing the Vicbred Super Series Final for New South Wales trainer Paul Fitzpatrick.

Completing a clean sweep of the three-year-old division, the colt secured his latest benchmark with the greatest of ease by leading throughout with Fitzpatrick’s son, Gavin, in the sulky.

After working hard to find the front, Lombo Pocket Watch enjoyed a ‘breather’ during the middle stages before kicking clear on the home turn and then staving off a late challenge from Triple Vance along the sprint lane to score by two-and-a-half metres.

Unojoe, which gained an ideal trail behind the front runner, was two metres away third.

The son of Jet Laag rated 1:58.7 for the 2100-metre trip, taking his record to 26 wins and three placings from 32 starts for earnings of $1,046,153.

Affectionately-known as ‘The Conqueror’ for his ability to conquer major events, Lombo Pocket Watch’s haul included an incredible 10 Group Ones.

Lombo Pocket Watch became the 29th richest pacer in Australasia and the 34th member of the Millionaire’s Club since Cardigan Bay broke through the barrier in New Jersey in 1968.

“It was so exciting to get to the million with him,” Paul declared. “I don’t think people appreciate what an effort it is for a three-year-old to earn a million dollars.”

For the record, Niatross was the first millionaire juvenile in America having achieved the feat in July 1980 by winning the Meadowlands Pace at three.

Former top sire Land Grant was the first millionaire two-year-old, a record he set after securing the $2,011,000 Woodrow Wilson Pace in August 1980.

Land Grant earned $1,038,490 in his debut season.