Thebudgiesmugla, a five-year-old gelding trained by Bjorn Baker, claimed victory in the $500,000 Listed Caloundra Cup over 2400 meters on Saturday, solidifying his standing as a promising stayer. Entering the race as the $2.35 favorite, the horse held a commanding position for most of the Sunshine Coast straight and secured the win by half a length ahead of runner-up So You Are, who closed the gap in the final stages.

The Caloundra Cup victory marks a significant achievement for Thebudgiesmugla, whose cult following has grown substantially in recent weeks. The win also helped Baker after the recent disappointment of a sixth-place finish from another contender, Within The Law, in the Winx Guineas.

Bjorn Baker praised the gelding’s versatility and stamina, noting, “If only they made the Melbourne Cup three miles, this horse will stay all day. I do think this horse has got a great future.” Baker described Thebudgiesmugla as a “tough Kiwi” who “bats above his weight,” adding that the horse now effectively holds an Australian racing identity.

Originally trained in New Zealand by Jo Rathbone, Thebudgiesmugla was purchased for just $3,000 at an online auction before being acquired privately by Darby Racing in Australia. The horse’s unique name is linked to his dam, a mare named Hot Pants.

Sydney jockey Dylan Gibbons, who rode Thebudgiesmugla to victory, called the win “just reward” for postponing a planned holiday to Fiji. Gibbons explained the race strategy, noting they aimed not to ride too close to the leaders but rather trusted the horse’s abilities. “There aren’t too many horses that can pop out at the half-mile mark and circle the field and still get there too soon,” he said. Gibbons highlighted the horse’s impressive turn of foot for a stayer and expressed optimism about further improvement, saying, “I’ll really enjoy it when he learns to put a race away.”

Last year’s Caloundra Cup winner, Half Yours, went on to notable successes at the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, but Thebudgiesmugla’s supporters emphasize his distinctive name and growing reputation in Australian racing. The gelding’s performance on Saturday suggests he may continue to be a horse to watch in longer distance events.