Mauritian magic at Geraldton Turf Club on Batavia Sprint day

The “Mauritian Magician” lived up to his nickname, crossing the line first at the weekend as a trio of outsiders won the day on one of the biggest dates on the Mid West race calendar.

Laqdar “Lucky” Ramoly, in WA through an agreement with the Mauritius Turf Club, rode to first on My Demi in the $100,000 Batavia Sprint over 1200m on Sunday for Kiwi Brock Lewthwaite, who trains in Serpentine.

Brock Racing manager Duncan Martin said the win had been coming, with Ramoly and My Demi narrowly beaten for first last time out, in race seven at Pinjarra Park on Pinjarra Cup day earlier this month.

“Got pipped by a nostril last start,” he said.

“Laqdar’s ridden it perfectly.

“We’re well happy.”

Lewthwaite said he and Ramoly were “both outsiders,” a tag that did not stop them on the day.

In fact, while Lewthwaite may be an unfamiliar name in Mid West racing, you might be familiar with his riding skills.

He worked on The Hobbit movie back home before moving to WA, joining the cast and crew as a horse wrangler and riding double, and making the final cut in scenes as a dwarf and an elf. Ramoly said last year he was enjoying his stint in WA — even though it had had to be exten-ded because of border closures.

“It’s nice there (Geraldton),” he said. “Everyone is friendly and cool. It’s good to ride there, it’s never raining. Good weather.”

Kenyluck, trained by Allan Hughes, was declared the club’s horse of the year.