McMahon finds true Cup calling

LONG-TIME Central Queensland broadcaster Tony McMahon had one of his greatest thrills when he was able to win as a trainer the same race he called 16 times in Saturday’s $100,000 Rockhampton Cup.

Mamselle Corday led throughout under jockey Les “Bubba’’ Tilley and prevailed over a swarm of pursuers to win her 10th race.

The rising seven-year-old found some admirers in betting, firming from a top fluctuation of $31 to start $21.

“It’s a wonderful thrill,” McMahon said. “You dream of this. Winning your home city Cup. I called 16 Rockhampton Cups, but I couldn’t have called this one.

“We bought her as a yearling. One bid, $5000 at Magic Millions. I only train fillies. I’m very fortunate, my wife Jean syndicates them all to friends and you can see they are all very happy.”

McMahon said his plan was to ride Mamselle Corday back in the field but he changed tactics with the wet track and the pattern playing towards those on pace and close to the fence.

“She’s very hard to beat when she gets to the front. Originally we were going to go back, but with the wet track she had to go to the front,” he said.

Last year’s winner Colour Charge stuck his nose out for second, just in front of the heavily backed Balboa Rocks ($2.80-$2.60).

Cantbuybetter was fourth and failed to get into the placings after stewards dismissed an objection against the winner.