He once bolted to Listed success down the Belmont Park straight – now Super Maxi is galloping into new territory and still winning.
The retired racehorse turned elite eventer proved his class again earlier this month at the prestigious Melbourne International Three-Day Event.
While it is a far-cry from the competition experienced on a racetrack, Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre played host to a new kind of triumph for the Off The Track competitor.
Super Maxi, guided by talented WA rider Charlee Morton-Sharp, claimed top honours at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event commencing on June 5.
“It was an amazing achievement for him to be up there in the placings and then to hold on till the end was special,” Charlee said.
“I know him like the back of my hand, we’re like a well-oiled machine now, I get on him and he knows exactly what I’m thinking.
“I think that what Off the Track WA is doing through their promotion and finding horses good homes after racing is great, because these horses have so much potential.”
Super Maxi’s path from WA to national acclaim began in 2018, when he made the journey across the Nullarbor to join the Gangemi stable from Team Hawkes.
Super Maxi wins the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) in 2018.
The son of Redoute’s Choice won more than $300,000 in prizemoney for connections during his racing career, which spanned across Victoria, New South Wales and WA, before he ultimately retired in 2020.
Winning the Listed Belmont Newmarket (1200m) in 2018, Super Maxi made a name for himself as a tough and talented sprinter.
Nowadays, Super Maxi is no stranger to the eventing circuit, having been rehomed to Charlee in 2020.
Charlee and Super Maxi’s feat was achievable thanks to the sponsorship from Off the Track WA's Interstate Competitor Sponsorships which provided support for several retired thoroughbreds to travel to the east coast to compete.
“The Off The Track sponsorship was a massive help, and it wouldn’t have been possible without them,” Charlee said.
The duo also won Best Performed Off the Track Thoroughbred and 17-year-old Charlee earned herself the Caitlyn Fischer Memorial Award for the highest placed young rider.
Charlee and Super Maxi paired up for a successful trip at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event.
For ex-trainer Michael Gangemi, Super Maxi’s success in his newfound career has not come as a surprise.
“He was a magnificent type, he looked the part and showed natural talent and was just a competitive animal when he raced,” Michael said.
“We take a lot of pride in, and we are really fussy, about where our horses go after they leave our stable.
“Life after racing is very important with us to ensure the horses can enjoy their best life after they’ve finished their racing career.”
Charlee also competed with Oceans Fifteen, the full brother of Super Maxi and another Gangemi Racing product, proving the strong pedigree and versatility of thoroughbreds post-racing.
Josh Miller