I’VE Got Magic, a five-year-old bay horse by Fast Anna out of Lil Miss Richie, came out as winner of the inaugural staging of the $2.5-million Bruceontheloose Sprint Trophy (G11) on Saturday, December 2, 2023, following the disqualification of first past the post and overwhelming favourite Desert of Malibu.

Going a distance of 6½ furlongs (1,300m) I’ve Got Magic, ridden by Shamaree Muir, finished second by 2½ lengths behind the talented Desert of Malibu (Dane Dawkins) in the Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward. Freedom Street (Julien Leparoux) finished third. The final time was 1:19.2 (23.2 x 45.4 x 1:11.2).

After the race a steward’s inquiry was posted, followed by two jockeys’ objections lodged both by Muir and fourth by the post Reyan Lewis who was aboard Madelyn’s Sunshine.

The objections were lodged for interference, while navigating the half-mile (800m), caused to Madelyn’s Sunshine and interference in deep stretch caused to I’ve Got Magic. Both were upheld and the stewards found enough evidence to disqualify Desert of Malibu.

The team of analysts from Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide assesses the result of the Bruceontheloose Sprint.

FIRST – I’VE GOT MAGIC: Brought glory to his connections after claiming victory in this trophy event run in honour of his trainer’s former superstar Bruceontheloose. I’ve Got Magic was able to earn his fourth win for the year and 10th overall from 28 starts. At his best, when going this distance and even without the intervention of the stewards, this would have been quite a performance by I’ve Got Magic.

SECOND – FREEDOM STREET: Did all that was asked of him to make his present felt. Freedom Street, offering odds of 15-1 and with an equipment change, ran as expected by his connections as he made his usual spurt promptly but the lack of class prevented him from creating any upset. A true thoroughbred who has performed against the odds, Freedom Street will fight again.

THIRD – MADELYN’S SUNSHINE: Simply not the horse she was when finishing second to Mahogany in the Port Royal Sprint. Probably the interference caused to her at the half mile was the reason behind her disappointing effort. Madelyn’s Sunshine will surely be back.

FOURTH – DESERT OF MALIBU: This American-bred runner came into the race as the prohibitive favourite, and rightly so after winning her four prior starts. Desert of Malibu did what she was expected to do — and that was to win the race. Probably the anxiety and nervousness of her rider cost her the race through the stewards’ room but Desert of Malibu is talented and classy enough and should return to racing with a bang.

FIFTH – OUTBIDDER: Did well enough to go home earning.

SIXTH – LABAN: Was expected to run a much better race.

SEVENTH – ROJORN DI PILOT: Was never a winning factor.

EIGHTH – LUKSOL: Was never in this contest.