It was a role reversal for the Goodwin family at the Woolamai Cup meeting on Saturday with Barry Goodwin following in the footsteps of his son Reece.
A long-time horse trainer and mentor for his off-spring, Barry watched on as his son trained the first two winners on the program.
Jockey Maddison Morris piloted Master Polanski and Magnardo to victory to chalk up the early double for Reece…but bigger offerings were soon on the cards.
Morris was then legged aboard cup-favourite Qubella, who was having her sixth start for Barry Goodwin after being gobbled up for $1000 at the 2025 Inglis July Online Sale.
Barry and Reece are two-thirds part-owners, and lucky ones at that, with the seven-year-old mare – Rubick/La Bella Roo – winning three races since first wearing the Goodwin colours in mid-November last year.
The most recent of those was just a week before the cup; preparations complete with a win over the 1650-metre trip at Healesville.
On Saturday she made it four for the Goodwin’s, overcoming the impost of 71.5kg, the outside barrier, and sitting three-wide for the first 500 metres of the 1708-metre trip.
But Morris bided her time, slotting in one off the fence and stalking the runaway leaders.
Qubella picked them up in a heartbeat on the turn, racing clear by two lengths to claim the major share of the $10,000 purse on offer.
Morris was thrilled when interviewed post-race after claiming her first-ever Woolamai Cup.
“I know the mare well and she’s super, super easy to ride,” Morris said.
“I just trusted her, I know she was going to have pretty good speed, but there would be good speed on, so I had to be patient and I always knew I would slot into that position.
“She was super, she was so strong late; I’m so proud of her and so grateful to Barry…it’s been a great day.”
Morris was reluctant to take praise; diverting such acclaim to the veteran trainer.
“That’s my fourth ride and fourth win on her; but the credit goes to Barry, she’s just so easy to ride,” she said.
“I’m just really spoilt to be able to ride her.
“It’s my first one (Woolamai Cup), and to do it for Baz is just super special.”
Qubella was originally sold by Coolmore Stud for $16,000 at the 2019 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, then on sold in 2022 for $2,500.
