Big plans for Al Maher duo

OCTOBER 27, 2009: Acclaimed Adelaide trainer Leon Macdonald has led the way with the preparation of the Al Maher breed. In addition to producing Majestic Music to win three individual stakes events, including the Group 2 VRC Edward Manifold Stakes, Macdonald and his associate Andrew Gluyas also put the polish on last weekend’s Morphettville Parks winner Bint Maher.

Macdonald this week revealed big plans for the duo, with Bint Maher already in the spelling paddock after breaking through for her maiden victory last weekend, and Majestic Music likely to follow her stable companion after competing at Flemington on the VRC Derby Day program.

“Both are very nice fillies with a bit of spirit” explained Macdonald when approached for a comment on his brace of Al Maher 3-year-old fillies. “Majestic Music is likely to contest the Wakeful Stakes, but won’t be heading to the [VRC] Oaks. She’ll be going to the paddock.”

Already successful over 1600 metres and 1550 metres respectively, Macdonald confirmed that both Majestic Music and Bint Maher are ideally placed over a metric mile. Only time will tell, however, if either are likely to run further.

 “Majestic Music will almost certainly run in the Wakeful Stakes [over 2000m], but might be too brilliant to run the trip. The intention with Bint Maher is to set her for the Australasian Oaks when she comes back into work, but she is also no certainty to run the distance.

“If I find that both Majestic Music and Bint Maher are best suited to 1600 metres, then I will be looking for the best options over that distance for each of them.”

The success Macdonald has enjoyed with his two daughters of Al Maher should come as no surprise, as he has been among Australia’s finest horsemen for many years. His name is immediately associated with Group 1 winners of the calibre of Rebel Raider, Serious Speed and Gold Guru, despite keeping his numbers down to 30-35 horses in work at any one particular time.