I think this is the first maiden winner I have trained and that is thanks to Magic’s owner , Toby, who suggested that it might be a weak race and that it was worth an entry fee to have a look.  The race cut up to only 5 runners and Magic was dropped back to 5f for the first time in his life but despite being short of room when the gap came he went about his job in good fashion.

Well done to owners, Toby and Vanessa, for their patience with Magic who hasn’t been the easiest and to Jimmy who has had some hairy moments on the gallop and gave Madge a pat when most would have lost their temper.

“Nothing special in this maiden and it was won by a horse who had run well in defeat in handicaps the last twice, off marks in the low-to-mid 70s.  MAGICAL EFFECT went off a very warm order to open his account at the sixth attempt and although he had to wait for a run up the rail, he burst through in the final furlong to score very readily. The drop back to 5f proved no problem for this son of New Approach, who clearly has plenty of speed, and although his trainer reported that the gelding has had problems mentally, he looks on track now and ought to remain competitive back in handicaps.”

Racing Post, 2016

“Magical Effect has had his problems mentally and James has done much of the work; no one else tends to ride him. Hopefully he’s the type that once he does it once he can go on.”

Ruth Carr, 2016