Harry Jaghai the first to double up in the 1000 Guineas
Veteran Harry Jaghai is one of only four trainers who have achieved the rare distinction of winning back-to-back Jamaica 1,000 Guineas races.
Jaghai, who was the first to accomplish that feat, did it in 1978 with Texas Rose (Qualitex – Royal Rosette) ridden by Vincent Anderson, and in 1979 with Bold Magic (Bold One – Martini) ridden by Emilio Rodriquez.
The other trainers who have the honour of winning two successive 1000 Guineas are Allan “Billy” Williams (1990-Distinctly Native and 1991-Misdemeanor), Philip Feanny (1992-Classique and 1993-Vestia) and Wayne DaCosta (2005-Si Mi Trail and 2006-Swing By).
“It was a joy for me to win the 1,000 Guineas as winning a Classic race says it all. I was happy, excited and grateful for the victory. The first one (Texas Rose) was sweet, but to win it again, consecutively, with Bold Magic was even sweeter. I enjoyed both victories a lot.
“I was the first trainer to win the Jamaica 1,000 Guineas back-to-back, plus I held that record for quite a while,” Jaghai informed.
Jaghai said that based on preparation going into both races, he was confident that his charges would have won.
“I was confident on both occasions that I would win. Texas Rose was a very nice filly and she was training really well. Everything was going right with her and she proved that in the race when she came home, giving me my first Classic winner.
“Bold Magic was another good filly and she too was training well going into her race. I won the race the year before and so the anxiety wasn’t too much. I was calmer and much more relaxed. Bold Magic was a very nice horse.
“Unfortunately, I have not won the 2,000 Guineas but I am grateful for my two 1,000 Guineas, winners,” Jaghai said.