Mr Tadashi Chasing MTC History on Monday July 20

There is plenty on the line when Mr Tadashi lines up at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Monday, 20 July 2026, with the rejuvenated stayer on the verge of a remarkable slice of club history.

Purchased for just $600, Mr Tadashi will be chasing his fourth consecutive victory at the MTC – a feat rarely achieved in the modern benchmark ratings era. His prize money for this period would surpass $50k, a fantastic winner for his owners, Mr M J Dickson, Mr D J Gorrel and Mr R Hamilton, all three owners working together at the stables. The five-year-old has enjoyed a stunning transformation under the care of Wagga trainer Doug Gorrel, emerging as one of the club’s premier stayers after dominating his past three starts over the winter program.

Another victory in Monday’s Huon Contractors 2000m BM74 would also secure Mr Tadashi the 2025/26 MTC Stayers Series.

Monday’s feature staying contest carries double points, with the winner earning 20 points in the bonus series. Points are awarded across the club’s nominated staying races – from 10 points for a standard race win down to one point for 10th or worse – with the winning trainer and owners each receiving a $5,000 bonus. Holding an 11-point lead over Doc March and a 13-point advantage over Sea Strike, Mr Tadashi is well positioned to secure the series. Even another strong performance would leave him in a commanding position heading into the final event, the triple-points Riverina Cup on Sunday, 9 August, where a maximum of 30 points will be on offer.

Doug Gorrel credits much of the gelding’s resurgence to the work he does away from the track, with regular track rider Sarah Murphy.”He loves the Wagga track, loves the 2000 metres and enjoys a bit of sting out of the ground. We do plenty of river work and trail riding with Sarah outside of trackwork, and it’s really helped him thrive.”

The stakes don’t end there.

A fifth win at the MTC this season would see Mr Tadashi take outright honours in the 2025/26 MTC Horse of the Year premiership. He currently leads the standings with four victories, ahead of Pride of Jezza on three.

A win would also provide a timely boost to Doug Gorrel’s bid for his maiden MTC Trainers’ Premiership. Gorrel is currently locked in a thrilling battle with fellow local trainer Michael Travers, with both sitting level on 13 wins for the season.”We’d be so excited to win,” Gorrel said. “It would mean so much for our owners and our team. Everyone works incredibly hard, and it would be a fantastic reward for all that effort.”

With multiple premierships, a lucrative bonus and a place in MTC history all within reach, Monday’s meeting promises plenty of drama. All eyes will be on the opening race as the revitalised Mr Tadashi attempts to continue his incredible winning streak and edge one step closer to premiership glory.