Torque To Be Sure finally broke through for his maiden victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, but not before surviving a dramatic post-race protest.

The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding edged out race favourite Ninja after drifting across the track in the closing stages, momentarily checking the fast-finishing runner inside the final 150 metres.

Ninja, who had been forced to make a wide run from barrier 17, closed strongly but stewards ruled the interference cost him no more than half a length, with the winning margin deemed decisive.

It marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Torque To Be Sure, who had placed five times from 11 previous starts before finally landing a major victory.

Dunn acknowledged the anxious moments following the race.

“I think we had a fair margin,” he said as the protest was heard.

Rider Ben Melham admitted the gelding still has some rough edges.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride,” Melham said.

“He drifted a little but once he got into a rhythm he was very strong late.”

“He’s always had ability — it was just a matter of getting him to put it together.”

The Shamus Award gelding was a $260,000 purchase from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and now boasts earnings approaching $2 million.

Plenty of interest surrounded the race across major betting markets given the high-profile field.

The post Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest first appeared on Just Horse Racing.