Mystic Journey became the first Tasmanian to win a Group one since Malua in 1886

The rags-to-riches story of Mystic Journey was elevated to scarcely believable heights at Flemington on March 16th 2019 as the Adam Trinder-trained three-year-old hit the line with her customary strength to land the inaugural running of the All-Star Mile. Purchased by her trainer for AU$11,000 at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale in 2017, the daughter of Needs Further and White Gold (NZ) brought the Apple Isles to it's knees when winning the Group one feature. The filly had already achieved iconic status in Tasmanian racing circles following her triumph in the Guineas, as this victory served as definitive evidence of her exceptional talent. Adam Trinder, a former jumps jockey who trains at Devonport's Spreyton Racecourse in Tasmania's north is a third-generation trainer of the Trinder family in Tassie. He is the son of Michael and the grandson of Ray, with all three men being inductees in the Tasmanian Racing Hall Of Fame. Adam's grandfather Ray was a handy trainer and owner of the 1972 Melbourne Cup winner, Piping Lane who won numerous feature races in Tasmania, including two home Cups at Devonport.

Mystic Journey commenced her career as a 2 year old winning her first three race starts, culminating with victory in the Elwick Stakes at Tasmania’s Elwick Racecourse. Mystic Journey tasted success as the 3/1 favourite in the Group one Australian Guineas at Flemington, defeating Hawkshot by 2 1/4 lengths, with a long neck back to Amphitrite in third. In winning the Australian Guineas the filly became the first Tasmanian-prepared horse to win a Group one equivalent since Malua (St Albans), who won the 1886 Australian Cup. Two weeks later Mystic Journey was the inaugural winner of the All Star Mile, collecting a staggering, A$ 2,250,000 as first prizemoney.

Ridden by regular partner Anthony Darmanin, Mystic Journey sat midfield in the early stages as Hawkshot cut out the early gallop from Grunt and Le Romain. Darmanin began to edge closer as the field swung for home, angling three deep and producing Mystic Journey with a sustained challenge in the home straight, although he was soon challenged by the strong-travelling Alizee, who loomed as the likeliest winner 300 metres out. However, Mystic Journey continued to find plenty for pressure and was strongest in the closing stages as Hartnell flew late. A visibly delighted Darmanin was soon up in the irons as the filly crossed the line.

As a 4yo mare Mystic Journey returned to Melbourne in the Spring of 2019 winning the Gr.2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse, before placing 2nd in the Gr.1 Makybe Diva, won by upset winner, Gatting who paid $101. A gallant 5th in the Cox Plate behind Japanese superstar Lys Gracieux (JPN) soon followed. Mystic Journey had a final win in the Gr.2 Stock Stakes at Moonee Valley in September 2020 with Luke Currie aboard. Her last race was a close 2nd to Colette in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington in October 2021.

The star Tasmanian mare Mystic Journey was sold to Yosida families Northern Farms in Japan where she continued life as a broodmare. Between her low-profile entry to the sales ring as an $11,000 yearling and her low-profile farewell from her racing career, Mystic Journey scaled the peaks of thoroughbred stardom, propelling a resurgence in the Tasmanian industry along with her.

RACE RECORD - 28: 12–4–0

EARNINGS - $ 3,975,100

Moonee Valley Fillies Classic (2018)

Australian Guineas (2019)

P B Lawrence Stakes (2019)

W H Stocks Stakes (2020)