Owners of WILD THOUGHTS were in dreamland at Kembla on Saturday, courtesy of the incredible Inglis Xtra Race Series bonus prizemoney scheme.
WILD THOUGHTS started a commanding $1.40 favourite in the 1500m provincial maiden, a race that would normally only be worth $21,000 to the winner.
But this was no ordinary maiden. Sales house Inglis had pledged an extra $100,000 to the winner provided they were sold through one of their sales.
WILD THOUGHTS met the criteria, having been purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds for a mere $45,000 at the 2023 Classic Yearling Sale.
And after throwing in the 3yo’s BOBS eligibility, his victory netted a whopping $126,625 in prizemoney. To put that into perspective, our gun mare IN FLIGHT earned $120,990 for winning a Group 3 race just two weeks ago!
The obvious lure of racing for Group prizemoney against maiden horses was identified early by trainer Kerry Parker and he expertly set the horse for the race after finishing runner-up at Hawkesbury first-up from a spell on June 26.
Preparing a lightly raced horse to rise from 1300m to 1500m a month between runs is no easy feat so hats off to Kerry’s team, who also saddled up the second placed PENALTIES.
PENALTIES looked to have stolen a march on WILD THOUGHTS in the early part of the home straight, but the latter surged over the final furlong to win by a convincing two-length margin.
Fair to say WILD THOUGHTS’ owners went a bit wild after this one! @inglis_sales @StudValiant @kjparkerracing @LeverChad
1 of 6 winners for SO YOU THINK on Saturday @coolmorestud pic.twitter.com/FucasoaSXH— PR🟢VEN Thoroughbreds (@ProvenTbreds) July 27, 2025
“We got pushed a little bit wider than what I would have liked (at the top of the straight) but he picked them up pretty quickly and spat them out,” winning rider Chad Lever said.
“He’s got so much more to learn. I think in time once he strengthens a bit more you might have a really nice horse on your hands.”
For a horse to collect almost three times their purchase price from their maiden win was not only a terrific result for our owners but showcases the merit of Inglis’ inspired concept. Owners are generally waiting a long time to get to the races, let alone winning a maiden, so incentives like these must be applauded, particularly at a time when there is robust debate about the balance of prizemoney between the top and lower end.
WILD THOUGHTS’ opportunities to win more prizemoney in restricted races are far from over with $120,000 Saturday midway races potentially on the agenda this preparation for the son of SO YOU THINK.
Proven’s tally of winners for season 2024-25, which concludes on Thursday, is now up to 60.
