The meteoric rise of Cindy Alderson’s late-blooming superstar reached a new peak on Saturday, as the veteran speedster Jigsaw secured his seventh consecutive victory with a gritty, wire-to-wire performance in the 2026 The Quokka at Ascot.

The fourth running of Perth’s $5 million slot race belonged to the ultra-consistent seven-year-old, who handled his first trip to the West Coast with absolute class.

The Manhattan Rain gelding entered the six-furlong feature on the back of a Group 1 William Reid win, and despite the travel and a tricky draw, he justified his position as the well-backed favourite.

The win marked a successful defense for slot holders Ladbrokes, who secured back-to-back victories in Western Australia’s richest event following their 2025 triumph with Jokers Grin.

Despite being a rising eight-year-old, Jigsaw continues to prove himself a marvel of the turf.

Trainer Alderson was visibly emotional following the victory, reflecting on the journey that led to this career-defining moment.

“I turned down an offer to Hong Kong for him so I just thought I would hedge my bets, and I told Marcus that I think this is a nice horse and we’ve just had the ride of a lifetime,” Alderson told the media.

“This just feels like the ending of it all because how could you go any better than this?

“I picked a spot right near the winning post, and I just stayed in the zone and at about the 100m mark, I started to cheer which is not normal for me.

“And then I saw Rey Magnerio flash late and I thought we might be in trouble, but he was able to hold on.”

Apprentice Logan Bates produced a masterful piece of riding, crossing from a wide alley to take control of the race.

Jigsaw led the field around the bend and offered a signature kick as they straightened for home.

In a thrilling conclusion, Jigsaw dug deep to repel a fierce late challenge from the Robbie Griffiths-trained Rey Magnerio.

The “Wizard of the West,” William Pike, launched a desperate surge down the outside, but Jigsaw held firm to score by 0.36 lengths.

“Wow … he’s left me speechless,” a jubilant Bates said post-race.

“Cindy has just done a massive job with him to bring him back.

“He’s gone to New Zealand to win a Group 1 there and then came back and won a Group 1 in Melbourne.

“He probably wasn’t 100 per cent today because he’s come to the end of it but all credit to the horse.

“He was all out at the 100m, and I gave him a roar and a few reminders and he was able to lift and hold on.

“The way that Ascot plays I didn’t know if I could go too early on him, but it’s a big open track so I let him go and he was just so tough.”

Rounding out the trifecta was the brave local filly Talkanco.

Prepared by Daniel & Ben Pearce, the daughter of I’m All The Talk was far from disgraced, finishing less than a length behind her more seasoned rivals in a performance full of merit.

2026 The Quokka Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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