Coolmore Stud Stakes 2026: The Next Episode Wins for Maher

Sat 31 Oct 2026, 6:48pm AEDT - Sportingbase

The Next Episode has delivered on his multi-million-dollar promise, holding off St Gotthard to win the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day for trainer Ciaron Maher and jockey Mark Zahra.

The Snitzel colt jumped from the outside barrier 14 and won by 0.2 lengths from the Chris Waller-trained St Gotthard (James McDonald), with Mbube (Billy Egan) third, half a length from the winner, according to the official result published by RaceHub.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the favourite held on to claim the $2 million race.

Under Focus (Blake Shinn) was fourth for Kris Lees, ahead of the Tony Gollan-trained filly Pembrey (Craig Williams). Doubt Time was scratched, leaving 13 runners.

A $2.8 million gamble that paid off

Maher paid $2.8 million for The Next Episode at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on behalf of English owner Phil Cunningham, making him the most expensive colt ever sold at Magic Millions, the VRC reported in the lead-up.

“It’s pressure that you want to have,” Maher said before the race. “Every person that goes to a yearling sale, every person that breeds a colt, they’re your Tattslotto tickets. That’s what the industry is geared around.”

The colt arrived at the Coolmore fresh off a win in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on 3 October, his only start this campaign. Maher had targeted the race after his juvenile season, which included victory in the $1 million Magic Millions National Classic (1000m) in May.

Coolmore Stud Stakes 2026 result