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Well done to him as he achieved it with only 4 runners. Unfortunately I had a feeling that some trainer might have a “big day” today and went for the wrong one: James Ewart was 0 for 3 today with the stable being in great form over the past two weeks. It was a toin coss between him and Donald, however I went for the other one.
Hope some forumite has had at least a few quid on his runners today.
Well done Donald, really pleased for him. I was especially guilty of slagging him off during his dire season last year. It looked hard to see a way back for McCain junior with other yards improving his old Rooney horses and owners walking out every week, but he has turned it around.
The horses who were hopeless last year are back to their best and the young horses are doing him proud. Hope he keeps it up and finds a few Grade 1 contenders as well.
He was one from one yesterday as well so that is now 5 wins from his last 5 runners. Backed all 4 today but sadly only in singles.
Well done Nenni
Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...Really pleased for him.
It must have been really difficult for him to retain his patience whilst everything seemed to be falling apart around him.
Prominent owners deserting him must have been difficult to take.
A chap who seems thoroughly decent to me when I have spoken to him at the races.
Wonder exactly what benefit the Rooney’s perceive that they gained from removing their horses ?I’m another who is delighted for Donald who seems to be a great bloke judging from his demeanour in TV interviews, all the interviewers appear to have respect and affection for him which says something.
The Rooney horses have done well scattered far and wide, however, so I think they have gained from their decision. What I think happened is that Donald had too many horses in, the whole operation became mechanical and lacked a personal touch. He may have been guilty of over racing horses and I think pressure got to him. I reckon he’s learnt from the experience. He is still not shy of sending his charges to the course but with less in he can be more hands on, he seems a lot more relaxed and happier in himself and has rediscovered his magic touch.
I’m another who is delighted for Donald who seems to be a great bloke judging from his demeanour in TV interviews, all the interviewers appear to have respect and affection for him which says something.
The Rooney horses have done well scattered far and wide, however, so I think they have gained from their decision. What I think happened is that Donald had too many horses in, the whole operation became mechanical and lacked a personal touch. He may have been guilty of over racing horses and I think pressure got to him. I reckon he’s learnt from the experience. He is still not shy of sending his charges to the course but with less in he can be more hands on, he seems a lot more relaxed and happier in himself and has rediscovered his magic touch.
I don’t know if things have got better for the Rooney’s now with their horses spread all over GB and IRE (must be at least 20 trainers), but I’m quite sure Donald is one handler they would want back.
Does anyone know what happened to T G Leslie and his string? Or to the Amberleigh House owners?His father would have been proud of his resilience and individuality. Ginger would have been firing both barrels at all doubters if he’d still been around.
I’m another who is delighted for Donald who seems to be a great bloke judging from his demeanour in TV interviews, all the interviewers appear to have respect and affection for him which says something.
The Rooney horses have done well scattered far and wide, however, so I think they have gained from their decision. What I think happened is that Donald had too many horses in, the whole operation became mechanical and lacked a personal touch. He may have been guilty of over racing horses and I think pressure got to him. I reckon he’s learnt from the experience. He is still not shy of sending his charges to the course but with less in he can be more hands on, he seems a lot more relaxed and happier in himself and has rediscovered his magic touch.
I don’t know if things have got better for the Rooney’s now with their horses spread all over GB and IRE (must be at least 20 trainers), but I’m quite sure Donald is one handler they would want back.
Does anyone know what happened to T G Leslie and his string? Or to the Amberleigh House owners?I think the Rooney’s will perceive they’ve gained a benefit because of their horses’ win percentage, prize money earned and big races won/nearly won.
Win %: 2014/15 – 18%, 2015/16 – 19%, 2016/17 – 21%, 2017/18 – 23%.
Prize money: 2015/16 – £603,694, 2016/17 – £701,852, 2017/18 (to date) – £482, 724.
Big wins by: Willoughby Court, Go Conquer, Kruzhlinin, Barney Dwan + The Last Samuri so close to winning a National and the ill-fated Starchitect would have won a Massey Ferguson.Don’t forget My Slow Boat winning the POW as well. Definitely a good move by the Rooneys at the right time – pretty much every horse they took away from McCain improved dramatically elsewhere.
Perhaps ‘The Donald’ was also affected by the death of his father, might explain the slump somewhat. It’s hurts for anyone to lose their dad, but when you’re a racehorse trainer and your dad is Ginger McCain, it must be an even bigger blow.
I was impressed enough with Testify the last time but managed to let him go unbacked….
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Re the Amberleigh House owners, after John Halewood’s sad end, it seems that Halewood International still have a few horses in training, such as Red Square Revival. Sad to see that is with Pipe and not with McCain.
I was impressed enough with Testify the last time but managed to let him go unbacked….
I had a good word about that one pre-season and he’s seen off decent animals on both occasions, price yesterday was a real surprise given his first run. Likelihood is that he would be expected to improve over a distance of ground.
Too many horses might indirectly have caused problems. Strongly suspect Donald’s wilderness years were due to a strong virus that was difficult to get rid of. Which also explains why horses taken away from him improved once in different surroundings.
Very glad he’s turned things around.
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