McKay duo in ‘realistic approach’ to Thorndon Mile

Father-and-son training partners Peter and Shaun McKay are taking a realistic approach to their prospects of further success when they return to their favourite track on the middle day of the Wellington Cup carnival.

Trentham has been a happy hunting ground for the Matamata duo during their partnership, now in its fourth season, with 13 wins at a 20 percent strike rate from a total of 38 starters.

Their highlight together was Wolfgang’s double last season in the Group 3 NZCIS Wellington Cup (3200m) and New Zealand St Leger (2500m), while in his previous career as a jockey, Shaun’s career-high came on stable runner The Mitigator in the 2020 Group1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile.

Peter also trained 2008 and 2015 Thorndon Mile winners Alamosa and Puccini, and on Saturday he and his son will saddle Spencer in a quest for further success in the 1600m feature.

“It was a worry when we entered him for the Thorndon that off his high rating he would end up carrying something like 59 kilos, but when the Kelsos decided to run Legarto, that all changed,” he said.

“With a mare like her in the field, the weight scale has ended up in our horse’s favour at 54.5 kilos, but we’re still being realistic about our chances.”