Racing: Two-horse trainer seizes Riccarton spoils

Jimmy Mac and his trainer Gene Andrew. Photo / NZME.

There are a few angles you could take with this year's New Zealand Cup winner Jimmy Mac.

Whether it is a 7-year- old who has found his feet late, a Central Districts trainer with just two horses in work, or a horse which cost $500 to breed - all three are worth exploring when reviewing the stayer's tremendous victory in Saturday's 152nd running of the Cup at Riccarton.

Awapuni trainer Gene Andrew turned up to Riccarton earlier this month with Jimmy Mac - only the second horse he has ever taken to the races. But boy, isn't he a beauty.

Jimmy Mac came into this world courtesy of Andrew's brother Leon borrowing the Racing Is Fun mare Go Annie Go off their mother Vivienne.

Leon Andrew opted for the Little Avondale Stud stallion Zed, who was standing at the bargain basement price of $500 cash at the time.

Fast forward about eight years and Jimmy Mac's connections - which include the Andrew brothers - take home $134,375 plus several nice gold trophies from Saturday's time-honoured group 3 3200m.

Andrew's sole winner prior to Jimmy Mac's arrival was his half-sister Quick Steps at Rotorua in June 2010.

A 3-year-old full brother named Dezzy Mac is the only other horse Andrew has in work, as he trains as a hobby outside riding track work at Awapuni for Gary Vile.

"I don't want any more either," Andrew said, chuckling.

Jimmy Mac won on debut at Waverley in May 2013 but started to show promise in the spring of 2014, winning twice at Hastings during the Triple Crown carnival.

A late-season campaign in April to June of this year could not add another win, but Andrew said a short spell in the paddock seemed to revolutionise the horse.

"He's just matured and he's got better in every way. He's a lot more settled now and it helps having a good jockey on."

Lisa Allpress has steered Jimmy Mac in all five of his starts this campaign, with a treble of wins before a third in the Metropolitan last week and Saturday's victory.

Andrew was asked if Jimmy Mac might target the $1 million bonus for a stayer which can win the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups.

"We'll have to now - especially with the bonus up."