Unheralded JERAM NEW VILLAGE scored a resounding victory in the RM1 million Astro Wah Lai Toi Sprint Trophy over 1400m here today, giving Penang based Australian trainer Frank Maynard Jr. his first classic success in Malaysia.

For good measure, Maynard, son of top Perth trainer Frank Sr, also provided the runner-up LEON. Both horses are owned by Gold Plus Stable.

Third was SUPREME HAPPINESS with the top-rated SUPERB CLASSIC fourth in the capacity field of 16 runners.

Singapore’s GRAND CANYON and MAGICAL CIGAR finished 12th and 13th respectively in the weight-for-age open to Singapore entries for the first time in six years.

Maynard was estatic after the race. "To win a Malaysian Group 1 race for the first time was a thrill. To provide the runner-up was a bonus."

JERAM NEW VILLAGE, bred by Widden Stud in New South Wales, was always in touch with the leaders, took the lead 200m out and cleared away to win by two-and-three-quarters lengths from LEON (7 b.a.g Lomond Bay - Aspen Rose by Centaine) who was fourth to HUNII in this race last year.

The RM350,000 Malaysian 2005 Magic Millions Classic saw FREE SPIRIT (4 br.a.g Citidancer - Star Party by Star Pak) coasted to an easy win in the 1200m sprint for graduates of Magic Millions sales.