It might have only been in existence for three years, but already the All-Star Mile has become the race where dreams have come true, ranging from the rags to riches tale of Mystic Journey (Needs Further) in the inaugural edition of the race, to the life changing experiences for the successful owner ambassadors, like single mother Tegan Abercrombie in 2020.
This year’s All-Star Mile could be a significant chapter in the dream that Darcy Mangan and his father Tim are living with their exciting thoroughbred, I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking).
Racing is a passion that Mangan says his father passed down to him at a young age.
“Since I was a young kid, I’ve always gone to the races with Dad,” Mangan said.
Mangan’s father has raced horses for many years, but now the father and son are sharing the thrill of owning a superstar.
While all owners dream about having the next big thing in racing, what makes the I’m Thunderstruck story even more special is the time at which he’s come into Tim and Darcy’s lives.
It was only a few years ago that Tim suffered a life changing stroke.
“It’s a dream come true, to be honest,” Mangan responded when asked what it’s been like to share the I’m Thunderstruck experience with his father.
“I never thought we’d have one this good, I always hoped we would. When he had the stroke a few years ago, I thought, we need to have some good success on the racetrack before he passes away, because his health wasn’t too good.
“It’s really been a big thing for him to keep going because he was a very social, very active person.”
Tim may have had some good horses in the past, like Dandino and Yogi, but in I’m Thunderstruck, he’s got as horse that’s at a different level altogether.
“This is definitely the best, he loves it, he talks about it every day, he reckons it’s a champion, best horse ever!” Mangan said of his father’s feelings towards I’m Thunderstruck.
The son of Shocking has already given the Mangan’s several moments to savour.
After breaking his maiden on debut at Caulfield last January, I’m Thunderstruck has quickly risen through the ranks, winning both the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) last spring.
Mangan, his former flatmate Chris, who is also part of the I’m Thunderstruck ownership, and 48 of their friends were all cheering on their horse together when he claimed the mega rich race at Rosehill at his latest start.
Given that support crew that he’s already got, Mangan knows that he can count on those friends to come to the fore when voting opens tomorrow for the All-Star Mile.
“They’ll all be voting, that won’t be an issue,” he said.
On the back of what he achieved last year, Mangan is daring to dream big with what the Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr) trained gelding can achieve in the coming months.
“We’re very excited, we think he can win the All-Star and the Doncaster,” Mangan said.
“We’re pretty confident he could go into the Orr with a good chance as well, although he may be a little underdone, but on raw ability we think he can still win.”
I’m Thunderstruck is currently the $4.60 joint favourite with Sportsbet for the All-Star Mile and should all go to plan, Mangan says he’ll be doing his best to get his father to Flemington to witness their boy’s bid for glory in the $5 million race.
“I reckon I’ve got him convinced that he’s coming to the All-Star Mile,” he said.
“I’ll definitely be there, rain, hail or shine, but I’ve just got to twist his arm, and if I can do that, then he’ll be there.”
I’m Thunderstruck was bred by Cambridge couple Tony Forlong and Jennifer Jones and became the second Group One winner for Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking, when taking out the Toorak Handicap.
