The winner of over 200 races during his riding career, the Mornington based Logan McGill learned his new trade of training horses from some of the best and since 2016 has been cheering home the winners. He is an unabashed fan of all things racing and loves talking about some of the great horses he has seen.
Do you come from a racing family?
My father held a trainers license when I was very young. My grandfather was a jockey then trainer and my stepfather was an amateur jockey from a big racing family – that’s where I started my interest.
What is your first racing memory?
One of my Dad’s horses Clare’s Sister winning at Yarra Valley with Noel Callow on. I was about five (September 1993).
Who is your favourite horse and why?
Gold Salute; he was very unlucky not to have won a Gr.1 race.
Who is the best horse you’ve been involved with?
Would have to be Black Caviar – I rode in a few trials and a race against her. With every stride she would effortlessly get further and further away from you.
Do you have any promising young horses for racing fans to look out for?
Nothing above average but there are a handful of unraced or lightly raced three-year-olds in at the moment who will go through their grades.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Anyone who has been able to be successful over a long period of time. Plenty come and go.
Who is your ‘what if’ horse?
Written Choice, he won the 955m challenge and unfortunately put chips in both his fetlocks that night. Never came back the same would have won a really good race had he stayed sound.
What is one change/improvement you’d love to see in racing?
On a big scale I’m not sure but right this minute the new $300 scratching fee is very annoying.
What’s the funniest moment you’ve experienced in racing?
A lot of my funniest moments would either come from going to and from the races with mates or just around the track in the mornings – racing isn’t short of people with big personalities.
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Gold Fields winning the Sandown Stakes; Steve Baster’s last ride.
If you could time travel into a past racing moment what would it be?
As a huge racing fan any W.S Cox Plate – the atmosphere is incredible.
Which horse of the past would you most like to have trained?
Super Impose – I watched the documentary Super Better Best 1000s of times as a kid.
Which horse of the present would you most like to have in your stable?
Giga Kick.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Spending time with family.
Favourite T.V show?
Seinfeld.
Best concert you’ve seen?
Eminem.
What slogan summarises your outlook on life?
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Favourite food?
Pasta or steak.
Favourite racecourse?
Moonee Valley.
If you weren’t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
I would love to have been a vet but unfortunately you have to go past year nine at school for that.
