Emotions run high as Seaside Sid salutes in Canola Cup

6 October 2026

MICHAEL DUMESNY 

Emotional scenes greeted Seaside Sid and driver Blake Micallef when they returned to scale on Monday afternoon after taking out the $30,600 Kriden Farms Canola Cup at Eugowra.

Trained by Blake’s father David and part-owned by his mother Rachel, along with Group 1 jockey Tyler Schiller, the three-year-old colt by Downbytheseaside was strongly supported in betting firming into favouritism just before start time, and those supporters were never given reason for concern as he led from barrier to box.

After the race, Micallef was over the moon with his horse’s performance and said that he really had to dig into the reserves late to hold off the fast finishing second favourite Snipers Fire who came from an economical trip back along the pegs.

“Going into the race we were confident that he could run a big race, and I am happy that he stood up to the mark and delivered,” said Blake.

“We had to burn to find the lead and run a pretty solid first half of the race and he done so well to keep trucking and carve out that 1:56.8 mile rating over the longer trip and still be able to hold off all challengers late.

“The win is pretty special for us.

“Mum bred this bloke and he went through the sales ring, and we bought him back with my good mate Tyler, and Dad has done a great job to have him at his peak for this race.

“It is great to pick up a feature like the Canola Cup with him."

Seaside Kid has now raced 24 times for four wins and nine placings.

This Canola Cup success gave both David and Blake the biggest wins of their respective careers.

David, who has been training since the early 1980s has prepared 396 winners.

Meanwhile, Blake, who began driving in the 2016/17 season, has sat behind 427 winners.