Racing: Mighty Hannon Memorial upset surprises trainer

Mighty Flying Mac warming up prior to Race 10, the PGG Wrightson NZ Yearling Sales 3YO Final Mobile Pace 2200m. Photo / Sarah Ivey

It is not often a trainer is left slightly confused after winning a group race.

West Melton horseman Cran Dalgety didn't quite know how to feel after Mighty Flying Mac upset his stablemate and New Zealand Cup favourite Christen Me in yesterday's group three Hannon Memorial at Oamaru.

Christen Me had his excuses, being posted three wide and forced to try and make ground into a headwind, but the upset reminded Dalgety of the glorious uncertainties of racing.

"It's character-building. I'm excited to win the race, naturally, but the other guy [Christen Me] did go super," Dalgety said.

"Sure I'm disappointed he didn't win - he's the flag flier - but I'm rapt he still went great."

Dalgety was careful not to take too much credit away from Mighty Flying Mac, a pacer who has been with him since beginning his career as a 2-year-old.

"He just messed the start up big time last week, but he had been training super," Dalgety said. "Because he wasn't an age-grade star coming up, he was never a profile horse.

"But I think in free-for-all company, he's big, he's strong, he's powerful, and I think he will be quite competitive for the next season or two."

Mighty Flying Mac was sitting at 31st in the New Zealand Cup rankings leading into yesterday's $25,000 feature, but the presence of Christen Me in the race should help the son of Mach Three when the rankings are updated this week.

"At least we know he can compete with the big fish now, rather than being a longshot. I may even back him up in the Avon City Ford Cup, whereas Christen Me might have a week off from racing."

Dalgety's other runner, Bit Of A Legend, was a solid sixth after sitting parked for much of the last lap.

"He's gone nice but beaten by better horses on the day. But he's a big, round seal, so racing will do him good."

Christen Me closed at $1.20 on the win totalisator and $1.22 with the TAB bookies.