By mid-morning on Saturday, December 13, Ascot already felt different. Not louder yet, not frantic, but charged—the kind of quiet tension that builds when a carnival reaches its final page. Gold Rush Day arrived as both celebration and conclusion, wrapping five weeks of the Pinnacles into one long, sunlit statement across ten races from 9:24 am to 3:10 pm. That sense of expectation sharpened as the afternoon unfolded, shaped in no small part by William Pike, whose presence loomed large across the card.
Victories in the marquee Race 9, the Listed Race 8, and supporting successes in Races 4 and 6 marked a day of precision and authority, consistently drawing the crowd closer to the rail. Around that centrepiece, summer colour spilled across the course—Christmas parties drifted between marquees, music floated through the mounting yard, and every race drew spectators inward. It was joy with consequence, celebration edged by competition, and a closing chapter worthy of the carnival it crowned.
When the time came for the $1.5 million Gold Rush (G3), the mood shifted unmistakably. Conversations dropped, phones lowered, and eyes fixed forward. This was the race everything else had been building toward. Rey Magnerio rose to the occasion, stopping the clock in 01:21.43, travelling with authority before asserting late, answering every challenge with resolve. William Pike delivered a ride full of nerve and timing, while Robbie Griffiths’s preparation revealed itself in the final decisive strides.
For breeder A & J Nitschke, it was validation; for owners Mr R D Griffiths, Mr D P Goss, CVT Racing Club, Mr G Russo, M B S Racing No. 2, Mr S G Apperley, Eugene Berry Racing, Mrs P N Curran, Irish Rovers, Mr G D Malloch, Mr S Vasiljevic, Ms N Whyte, Miss S Vasiljevic, Miss P Vasiljevic, The Perfect Martini, S F Racing, and Mr S I McRobert, a moment to savour on the grandest stage of the carnival.
Behind, Cosmic Crusader refused to yield, pushing all the way to the line, while Overpass stayed on strongly to complete a finish that drew a roar rather than polite applause. It was the kind of Gold Rush that lingered long after the horses pulled up.
The road to the feature was anything but quiet. Two Listed contests ensured the pressure never eased. In Race 5, the Black Heart Bart Stakes, Smooth Chino delivered with confidence, claiming victory in 01:08.87. Austin Galati allowed the race to unfold before committing fully, a move that proved decisive, while Indianna Weinert’s touch was evident. Breeder Mr K Reilly and owners Miss I Weinert, Mrs M Hall, and Mr B S Wilken enjoyed a win forged through patience and precision. Cessation chased gamely, with Ice Pick Nick holding firm to the line.
The second Listed event, Race 8: TABtouch – Starstruck Classic, followed with equal intensity. Storyville found extra when it mattered most, crossing in 01:36.52 under a confident steer from William Pike. Grant & Alana Williams once again struck at the right time of year, delivering a performance that resonated across the stands.
G & A Williams Racing Pty Ltd and owners Mrs A D Williams, Mr M J Ferguson, Mr B J Greenwood, Mrs V Valentine, Mrs K M Miles, Mr A L Miles, Mrs J J McAuliffe, Mr M A Hill, Mr S J Franklin, Mr K M Fissioli, Esquin, Mr P D Morris, Mrs D A Williams, Mr R V Wilson, Mrs W J Richards, Mr R Buswell, and JPP Racing celebrated an early success. Secret Attraction stayed honest under pressure, while Luvnwar completed a hard-fought trio.
Beyond the feature, the afternoon was shaped by other compelling races. The day opened with the Bisley Workwear Handicap, where Hoba West set the tone, stopping the clock in 01:50.78. Austin Galati judged the pace cleanly, and Summer Dickson’s preparation paid immediate dividends, with breeder and owner Cape Falls Thoroughbreds rewarded early. Freedom Escape ran on late, and Audio Boy stayed on resolutely.
Momentum continued in Race 2, Mrs Mac’s Plate, when Lanfranco asserted control in 01:23.16, showing composure throughout. Steven Parnham delivered a polished ride for Russell Stewart, with breeder J W Kelly Suffolk Vale & Co and owners Mrs A L Stewart, Mr S Trimboli, Mr N J Simpson, Mr G Moschilla, Mr J A Stewart, Mr B C Williams, Mr J A Silvestri, Mr G Jacobson, Mr D A Neaves, Miss P J Matthews, Mr K Rogers, Mr M B Coles, Mr C J Schmidt, and Mr T V Mills sharing in the moment. Ninetymilestraight chased strongly, with Hard Solo not far away.
In Race 3, the MCA Polytrack Handicap, Haida Gwaii proved toughest in the closing stages, stopping the clock in 00:57.39. Chris Parnham asked for everything late, and Michael Lane’s runner responded instantly. Want A Winner and Pin Deep fought out the minor honours.
By mid-card, in Race 4, the PKF Perth Handicap, Soldanelle produced a decisive move to score in 01:36.81. William Pike timed the challenge perfectly, with Stefan Vahala striking form at the right moment. Right To Silence stayed on with purpose, while Extreme Love held ground under pressure.
Race 6, the Morley Growers Market Handicap, saw Magna’s Choice deliver a performance built on control and stamina, stopping the clock in 01:29.84. William Pike never panicked, allowing the race to come to them, while trainer Trevor Andrews, breeder De Grey Park, and owners Mrs J Andrews, Mr K J Gregson, Mrs H H Gregson, Mr G W Rogers, Mr D A Houston, Mr M P Dixon, Mr G C Dickie, Mr P A Wildermoth, Mr B C Horan, Mr B K Willison, Mr J Mathews, and Mr R Cushing shared a success shaped by patience. Dug Another Hole ran on well, with Earthstorm close behind.
In Race 7, the Swan Draught Handicap, Timeless Gem found a sharp turn of foot to secure victory in 01:09.51, with Brad Parnham seizing the opening decisively and rewarding Stephen Miller’s confidence. Thermosphere Lad tried valiantly, while Canny Rock stayed on to complete the frame.
The final race, Race 10: Loop Handicap, carried its own emotion as Salty Miss closed the card in style, stopping the clock in 01:09.52. Troy Turner guided the winner home with assurance, delivering a final flourish for trainer Tiarnna Noske and breeder/owner Cape Falls Thoroughbreds. Magnique and Return Of The Mach rounded out a finish that drew warm applause rather than urgency, capping an afternoon that had blended celebration, competition, and the unmistakable thrill of Gold Rush Day.
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