Cambridge thoroughbred trainer Lauren Brennan admits to having a few more nerves than usual as she prepares last Saturday’s Pukekohe races feature mile winner Magnum (NZ) (Per Incanto) for his show ring debut at the Cambridge A&P Show this Sunday.
Magnum will be the only in-training thoroughbred competing against 30 other thoroughbreds, many of them ex racehorses, in Sunday’s “Best Thoroughbred Life After Racing” event. The event which comprises trotting, cantering, galloping and being led on foot before judges is designed to promote the versatility of the thoroughbred for a range of disciplines after racing.
“He should be fine, he’s such a laidback guy but he’s on a racing programme, and eating race feed. Plus he’s never been in front of judges and that many sound systems,” Brennan said.
It’s likely though to be all in a week’s work for the cruisy son of Per Incanto. Bred by Masterton’s Little Avondale Stud, Magnum raced successfully at the elite level in Singapore before his repatriation two years ago. Under Brennan, who continues to build a reputation for her considered and successful approach, particularly with ex Singaporean and Hong Kong raced horses; Magnum has thrived in his new surroundings, establishing himself in the top echelon of NZ’s sprinter/milers.
Magnum has become a real favourite with Brennan and her staff. “He loves Polo mints, but only the English favourite which we have to buy from the English store in Cambridge,” commented Brennan.
A bold showing this Sunday may help determine Magnum’s pathway when he retires from racing. “He could have a career eventing or in the show ring. Whatever the owners decide to do we’d love to have him, my girls adore riding him on the beach and through the forest, he just has that touch of magic.” she said.
