Tony McEvoy is adamant he has the knowledge, energy, commitment and staff to run a two-state racing operation.
In horses like Saturday’s Rowley Mile winner Mouro, McEvoy is also demonstrating he has the bloodstock to make a seamless transition into the NSW thoroughbred scene.
Mouro - Photo by Steve Hart
McEvoy’s new Sydney venture made its best possible start when Mouro ($7.50) took up the running to claim the $150,000 feature race at Hawkesbury – a racetrack he is more than happy to call home.
“I’m really excited to be here as a Hawkesbury trainer and hopefully this is the first of many winners,” McEvoy said.
McEvoy will divide his time between Adelaide and Hawkesbury after buying stables at the back of the track north west of Sydney in a deal that was finalised last week.
“I’ve got some experience in doing this sort of thing working with the Hayes family in Adelaide and Melbourne,” McEvoy said.
“Yes, it can be taxing but I think I’m still young enough and I’ve got the energy to do it.
“Most importantly I’ve got terrific support from my wife Jo and I believe I’ve got the key people around me to do it.”
McEvoy said adding blinkers to Mouro’s gear probably made the difference between winning and losing as only a half head separated his horse and Beaten Up ($7) at the finish.
“He really showed some fight when it was asked. It was lovely,” he said.
Victorian galloper Speediness ($11) finished third, 2-1/2 lengths behind Beaten Up.
Glyn Schofield took Mouro to the front and set an even tempo which allowed the former French galloper to steal a break on his rivals.
It was left to Beaten Up to make a late charge, but while the Hawkesbury winning post has been extended by 120m in a recent redesign of the racetrack, it came up too soon for the Chris Waller-trained runner-up.
McEvoy’s NSW stable is home to nine horses with room for up to 48 but the trainer is in no hurry to have a full barn.
“We own the property so there’s no pressure to fill it but the idea of opening up here is to expand my client base and grow my stable,” he said.
