In just his second career start, promising colt Devil Night stamped himself as a rising star in Australian racing with a dazzling victory in the $2 million Group One Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

Despite facing tricky conditions and being forced to hit the front earlier than ideal, the Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes-trained runner showed his class and tenacity to secure a memorable win. His performance further bolstered the reputation of owner Yuesheng Zhang's Yulong operation, whose iconic bottle green silks were also carried by third-place finisher Tycoon Star.

The result was a significant milestone for Devil Night, who first made headlines as a yearling when he topped the Saturday night session at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, fetching a staggering $1.4 million for breeder Kingstar Farm.

Hawkes Hails the Big Colts Division

Co-trainer Wayne Hawkes was full of praise for the colt and his ownership group.

"I won't lie to you," Hawkes said. "I just saw Vin Cox and told him, 'You don't have to buy this one as a future stallion.'

"Yulong has invested heavily in top-quality horses, and they deserve every bit of success. Mr. Zhang is putting more into racing than anyone else, feeding many families, including mine."

Hawkes entered the race with confidence, believing Devil Night had taken a significant step forward from his debut.

"I thought he'd be in the first four or five," he revealed. "I told Mick Dee (jockey), 'Don't overcomplicate it, he's a lovely horse.'

"He's never sat on him before, but he’s improved massively since his first run. Before the race, I told Vin (Cox), 'On his trackwork, he just wins on Saturday. But it's a Blue Diamond, so I’m not getting too cocky.'"

Jockey Mick Dee’s Perspective

Winning rider Mick Dee admitted the race didn’t unfold as he had expected but credited Devil Night’s toughness for the victory.

"I thought there would be more pressure early on, but I ended up outside the leader by default," Dee explained. "He was a little keen and travelled strongly, but he fought on well.

"He gave a great kick when I asked, which was the winning move. If he had settled with cover, he’d have been even better, but he was simply too good."

A Star-Studded Pedigree

Devil Night is the latest standout for Newgate Farm’s red-hot sire, Extreme Choice, who won the Blue Diamond Stakes himself in 2015. The colt is out of the unraced but highly productive Shamardal mare Mischief Night, who has also produced Group winner Our Playboy.

Mischief Night hails from an elite family, being a half-sister to Group winners Pierata and Ashokan. She was purchased by Matthew Sandblom’s Hollymount Stud for $200,000 at the 2019 National Broodmare Sale.

Devil Night’s triumph adds another feather in the cap of his sire, Extreme Choice, who recently celebrated another Group One success with Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice.

Winner: Devil Night

Pedigree: Extreme Choice – Mischief Night (Shamardal)

Race: MRC Blue Diamond Stakes G1 (1200m)

Yearling Sale Price: $1,400,000

Sale: 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

Earnings: $1,290,000

Breeder: Kingstar Farm

Vendor: Kingstar Farm

Buyer: Highway Farm

Owner(s): Yu Long Investments (Mgr: Y Zhang)

Trainers: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes (Flemington)