Popular local breeder Mandy Gunn of Motree Thoroughbreds enjoyed a memorable day at Devonport on Sunday, producing a winning double highlighted by the debut success of promising two-year-old Valley Star.

The son of Widden Valley, from the Fighting Sun mare Star Terra, made an impressive start to his racing career with a maiden victory. Star Terra has already proven her worth as a broodmare, being a half-sister to Cartoon Graveyard, the recent winner of the Swan Hill Cup.

Valley Star was offered through the 2025 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale, where he was secured by Leanne Gaffney for a bargain $7,000.

Completing Gunn’s double was talented three-year-old filly Taroona, a daughter of Rebel Dane out of the Magic Albert mare Cambalara.

Purchased for $20,000 at the 2024 Tasmanian Magic Millions Sale, Taroona has developed into a handy performer, with four victories and prizemoney earnings of $104,070.

The filly also boasts an outstanding pedigree, tracing back to the family of New Zealand Oaks heroine and 2019/20 New Zealand Filly of the Year Jennifer Eccles, further underlining the strength of Motree Thoroughbreds’ breeding program.