Caitlin McKee celebrated her first success in the saddle on Saturday in the most prestigious race of the Flair Amateur Rider Series, the New Zealand Hunts’ Association Duke Of Gloucester Cup (2100m).
Waikato-based McKee was having just her fourth ride as an amateur and partnered $36 outside chance Meandeel, who was searching for a return to form in more favourable heavy conditions at Hastings.
Jumping from the extreme outside barrier, McKee settled the Ken Harrison-trained gelding in the second-half of the field but was forced wide around the opening bend as Moonlight Hustler took control from the front.
Meandeel was sitting last of 11 at the 600m and full of running, and McKee’s tactic to stay close to the inside rail paid off as she ran down stablemate Espresso To Go and Moonlight Hustler strongly in the straight to score by three-quarters of a length.
McKee was thrilled to claim her first win as an amateur, after entering the racing industry as a trackwork rider.
“I’m stoked with that, I had so much horse coming into the turn and he just did exactly what I asked,” McKee said post-race.
“I panicked a little bit because I thought I might end up on heels because I had my foot against the rail the whole way.
“I kind of fell into it (racing) a few friends were doing it and I thought it would be easy money riding trackwork, but I love it.
“I’m really enjoying it (riding in the amateurs), it’s a great series and I’m keen to be part of it all.”
Harrison was complementary of McKee’s efforts post-race, indicating she is regularly involved with the running of his Cambridge barn.
“She rode a ripper, I told her to stay on the rail and I didn’t think she’d quite be scraping paint that much, but it was a great ride,” he said.
“Caitlin rides our horses every morning, so it was great to give her a win.
“I was a bit dubious about Espresso To Go in the heavy ground today, but I thought the other fella (Meandeel) would go alright.
“Ashleigh (McIntyre, jockey of Espresso To Go) rode really well too, they tell me she’s a nice rider.”
29-year-old McKee has also been involved with rehoming former Hong Kong gallopers alongside partner Nick Downs, who won the AHD – Animal Health Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) later on the Hastings card aboard Te Kahu.
Among the successful returnees was Not Ideal, who won last year’s Waipu Cup (1400m) in the care of Harrison.