The McGoogan’s

Two Year Old Master McGoogan’s (What The Hill) win last night at Addington further enhanced the fabulous harness racing record the progeny of Winnie McGoogan and her daughter Minnie McGoogen have as two year olds.

The story began when Invercargill real estate agent Craig Heyrick bought Muscle Mass filly Winnie McGoogan at the 2015 National Yearling Sales.

As a two year old trained by Phil Williamson, she ran second on debut to Custodian at Addington before winning at Ashburton.

She completely missed her three year old season and had two starts at four.

“She was a really promising two year old but she broke down. She came back as a four year old and broke down again. She was going to be a really good horse so that was unfortunate,” Williamson said.

At stud, Winnie McGoogan’s first foal was Minnie McGoogan (Pegasus Spur). She also ran second on debut as a two year and won at her next start.

“I had her for the start. She had a lot of ability but had bad manners and was a real nightmare to work with on the ground. She ended by going to Jeremy’s (Douglas) and ran fourth in the G1 New Zealand Trotting Oaks won by Con Grazia Love.”

From nineteen starts, she won two races and was placed another nine times before she went to stud.

Her first foal is Master McGoogan.

“We’ve had a bit of bad luck but with him being a boy, I’m hoping things are going to play out a bit better.”

He made his debut at Addington a month ago.

“I was confident at his first start but he pulled out a few new tricks. He didn’t steer any good, resented the grit and stuff like that. We made some gear changes, went back to the trials and he trialed really well. He came out last night and was a far more professional version.”

In last night’s race Master McGoogan settled fifth early, before getting on the back of Jet Stream. With 600 metres to run Williamson made his move and trotted around the field three wide. Turning in, Master McGoogan was up challenging leader Donovan. At the line he had a length and three quarter advantage on favourite La Venture.

MASTER MCGOOGAN REPLAY

“He has got nice speed and a nice gait. So when I asked him to stretch out he really did and was strong to the line.”

Owned by Williamson’s wife Charlotte and Craig and Tania Heyrick, Master McGoogan’s next start will be in the $50,000 G3 Two Year Old Trotting Stakes, a race that Princess Sadie also trained by Williamson finished second in 2023.

“He’s going to be a horse that’ll be a lot better with time. He’s still growing and developing. He’s a horse with a nice future.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink