Racing: The loss that felt like a victory

Sharon McKay, owner of racehorse Franco Nelson. Photo / Supplied-

After a year from hell, a loss still felt like a victory for Sharon McKay yesterday.

The Canterbury mother has been in an intense battle with cancer aided by an experimental new drug which which she started on last November, not long after doctors told her her prognosis was terminal.

During her fight her beloved racehorse Franco Nelson has fought his own physical wars, struggling to get healthy in time for yesterday's New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington, several times looking like he might struggle to race again.

But Franco Nelson made it to the $750,000 race and the sight of him fighting bravely into fourth after not having a lead-up race in 10 months, had McKay beaming.

"That felt like a win to us," said the 57-year-old.

"After all I have been through this year and all he has been through, for him to get to the race was special.

"But to run fourth, beating so many great horses home, proved that we did the right thing giving him his chance.

"This time last year, when he was racing well, he ran second but really this year feels more like a win.

"We have both been through a lot but he made me proud today and while I went home tired, I feel great inside." And what next for the McKay and her horse?

"We are going to come back to win it next year," she laughs.

The Cup was won by Australian-trained pacer Arden Rooney, whose trainer-driver Kerryn Manning became the first woman to drive a New Zealand Trotting Cup winner, just a week after compatriot Michelle Payne became the first woman to ride a Melbourne Cup winner.

"It is kinda cool to do it a week after Michelle," said Manning.

Cup week in Christchurch continues at Riccarton today.