Mourinho was seen at his best at Caulfield yesterday in winning the Group 2 Crown Golden Ale Peter Young Stakes.

That was his finest hour, winning at standard weight for age, taking his stake earnings, within a few dollars, of the magical million.

His biggest pay day is yet to come; it could well be the Australian Cup that will now become his most likely autumn mission.

He was the horse that was denied a run by the Moonee Valley committee in the Cox Plate, for obvious reasons, whilst the connections were critical of the Club’s decision, now all has been forgotten and the gelding has raced at the Valley since.

The gelding has never been racing in better form, after he crossed the line on Saturday you could be sure glasses would be raised high in the Moe pubs

Mourinho with Vlad Duric wnning at Caufield

He has a cult following within the Gippsland township, country folk are always proud of their local heroes.

Mourinho was always racing within touch of the leaders; he was there when it was time to be called upon.

When he drifted out in the straight his rider, Vlad Duric, showed patience, he allowed the gelding to find his own level; it was a great ride from a very much underrated jockey.

Whilst Mourinho drifted slightly in betting, at the expense of Protectionist who shortened to half of his opening quote, starting a pronounced favourite.

The gelding went to the line strongly; the Australian Cup trip is not likely to bother him

A jubilant Peter Gelagotis ( We Won!)