Inaugural Quokka winning jockey Josh Parr is bullish The Quokka (1200m) will continue to grow in future editions, following the first edition of the $4 million race at Ascot on Saturday.
Josh Parr, who steered the Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass to victory, said the event surpassed his expectations.
“I wasn’t too sure leading in just how I would react to a victory,” Parr told TABradio.
“I must say I was as excited as I’ve ever been at a racecourse before.
“Whether it’s because they’re (slot races) a new thing to our sport and they could very well be attracting a new crowd.
“They create hype and atmosphere and it’s felt by all involved.”
Overpass was one of six east coast runners in the first edition of the race, with Bella Nipotina (third), Asfoora (fourth), Uncommon James (eighth), Shades Of Rose (ninth) and Kementari (10th) the other visitors.
The gelding’s win took his earnings beyond the $3.6 million mark, following his success in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) and Inglis Sprint (1200m) last year.
Parr said Overpass’ fighting qualities carried him to victory on Saturday.
“We took up the lead reasonably comfortably,” he said.
“He’s a fast horse, so that speed is quite natural.
“He got lost on the corner and wondered off the fence and didn’t show his usual turn-of-foot.
“What he did possess was a will to win.”
Parr said he expected The Quokka to get even more east coast participation next year.