John Bushell, a retired dairy farmer from Koroit, is experiencing a financial windfall thanks to his $12,000 investment in Fireball Miss, a filly that recently won the $700,000 Group One Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on June 6, 2026. This victory comes just two weeks after Fireball Miss won the $300,000 Group Two The Roses at Doomben on May 23, 2026.
Bushell, a life member of the Koroit Football Netball Club, is among several people with connections to the Saints involved with Fireball Miss. Former players Jiah Falcke, David Holscher, Joe and Ben Woonton are also part-owners. Bushell expressed his excitement, stating, 'It's just great to share big wins with blokes who have been involved in the same footy club.'
This is Bushell's second Group One triumph as an owner. He was a part-owner of Ozzmosis when it won the 2023 Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes. The victory has significantly increased Fireball Miss's value as a broodmare. Bushell noted, 'Her value as a broodmare has really increased with that win under her belt.'
Fireball Miss was nominated for the $1.2 million Group Two Q22 at Eagle Farm this Saturday but will instead go to the spelling paddock to prepare for the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Trainer Ciaron Maher believes she will be a better horse next year, and her connections have already collected over $675,000 in prizemoney from her seven starts.
Maher and horse syndicator Nathan Bennett have high opinions of Fireball Miss, praising her slow maturation and Ciaron's patient training approach. Bushell added, 'She's been a slow-maturing horse and Ciaron has given her time to mature. He believes with a bit more time, she will develop into a good staying mare.'
The success of Fireball Miss is a testament to the power of shared passion and perseverance. Bushell's journey from a dairy farmer to a Group One winner owner showcases the potential for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary success through collaboration and dedication.
