Michael McNab’s five wins at O¯ taki
He gained the wins at Matariki meeting
New Zealand's leading jockey Michael McNab rode five winners at the Otaki-Māori Racing Club's first ever Matariki meeting last week. McNab, 36, kicked home Amosia, Belardo Boy, Lincoln Lover, Far Site and Metallo on the nine-race card, the first three winners all for Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta.
McNab, who had racked up 124 wins by the end of the weekend, had created a buffer over second placed Lisa Allpress who at the beginning of the week had 104 wins. The current season ends on July 30 with the Levin Racing Club's meeting at Otaki.
Aside from McNab's bag of five, it was an enjoyable day for locals with Levin trainer Gemma McKay and local jockey Ashvin Mudhoo winning with Tobkay, and Foxton trainer Suzy Gordon saddling up Never Fear to win a maiden event for jockey Johnathan Parkes.
Gordon said was surprised by the win and had thought 1200m might be a little bit short for the 3-year-old son of Proisir, who she part owns with Pauline McGuigan and Beryl Skidmore. “The last 50 metres he virtually jumped out of the ground and flew, halfway up the straight I honestly thought that he would at least finish third,” she said.
“Johnathan Parke's agent sent out a group text in finding rides for him, and I originally had Never Fear entered for the Levin Jump outs, and I then thought if I can get Johnathan Parkes to ride him, I will start him at Otaki on the Friday instead. And put a senior rider on to get a better line on him.”
“He told me Never Fear really doesn't know what he's doing yet, however, he's going to make a beautiful horse next year as a 4-year-old and a good miler at that, as he is just a big baby at the moment.”
The meeting was special also as the first “Matariki” race meeting staged by the historic club. Foxton jockey Temyia Taiaroa marked the occasion with special stars on her boots.
OMRC general manager Ben Jamison said: “It's an honour and a bit sad that we are the last Māori Racing club in New Zealand that has survived to be still racing.”
“However, it's honourable to still have this privilege and be able to race here today, as it coincides perfectly with what we stand for and the day itself, on top of Matariki being a public holiday which is great.”