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McGrath makes move

*Article by Ben Sporle for racing.com


Brian McGrath has joined a wave of recent trainers who have relocated to Pakenham.


McGrath, who is the son of iconic UK race caller and journalist Jim, follows in the footsteps of Annabel Neasham, David and Emma-Lee Browne and John Salanitri, who have all become new residents at Pakenham in recent months.


Brian McGrath Racing, Racing.com, Blake Shinn, Pakenham Racecourse
Image Courtesy of Racing Photos

Having been based at Cranbourne since saddling up his first runners in 2015, McGrath has taken up occupancy, sharing a 20-horse barn since late August.


"I took a horse to a trial there to experience the synthetic and everyone I saw that was training there just said 'You've got to come here' and that maybe planted the seed," McGrath said.


"I like the fact it's quite relaxed and not as busy.


"I came and saw the place and thought it was really impressive.


"The grass tracks and course proper are really good, the synthetic is good and the new uphill looks great and the wetlands track gives some nice variety for the horses.

"It just got me excited again."


McGrath's first three runners from his new base have placed.


Undoubtedly, McGrath is most excited about stable star D'jumbuck, who rose to prominence with three metropolitan wins earlier this year, including the VOBIS Gold Sprint at Sandown.


"We were always going to give him a nice break and avoid the spring," McGrath explained.

"The plan for him is the Standish, 1200 metres down the straight, which is a nice target."


McGrath's son of Starspangledbanner, who was bred by his father and owned in the interests of his family, has helped grow his stable, which has prepared 52 winners, 10 in the city region, since its establishment.


"He seemed to have a bit of a following, he really hit his straps and won quite nicely and progressed quite rapidly and caught the imagination of a few people and everyone has got to know him and he has been really good for the stable for sure," McGrath said.


"We've definitely got some new horses in the door and owners in from him."


McGrath has also acquired European import Blue Cup, who has been with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, as well as Matt Cumani, since arriving in Australia last year.

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