Hunter and Pateman prove Magic duo on Mt Barker turf

Albany trainer Paul Hunter, along with nephew and star local jockey Mitchell Pateman, put in stellar performances at Mt Barker Turf Club on Sunday with both notching up winning doubles.

Hunter and Pateman combined in the Magic Millions Sales Maiden (1100m) with Waychinicup coming from third on the turn to beat Aquarian Girl by 1¼ lengths, while Star Equine was third 2½ lengths behind. Hunter said the four-year-old bay gelding had shown potential.

“Waychinicup had showed some promise so I thought it was a good race from him,” he said.

The local trainer also had success in the Boyacup Angus-Stud Handicap (1850m) as Return on Capital, ridden by Chris Parnham, held off a fast finishing In The Loop by three-quarters of a length, before Fairly Hot placed third.

“Return on Capital was three deep with no cover so he showed courage to win that race,” Hunter said. “We were pretty pleased with how we went for the day.”

Pateman rode home his second victory of the day in the Trevor Allison Memorial Handicap (1300m) with Portonian winning by half a length from Canna Lily.

“It was a good win for Portonian,” Pateman said.

“He got back, got around and then attacked the line well — it was an arrogant win really.”

The Albany jockey now sits well clear in the jockey premiership standings with 17 wins for the season.

William Pike also took out a double win, riding Foxinator to victory in the Australian Mineral Fertilisers Maiden (1300m) as Elsie’s Den finished half a length behind in second.

The Le Grande Motel Handicap (1200m) was won by Sultan Pippa by a long head over Parisienne Lady, with Babble finishing third.