Dual Horse of the Year ready for racing return

DUAL South Australian Horse of the Year, Emain Mach, will make his racing return this weekend as he continues to work towards a slice of history.

Sent for a spell last February, Emain Mach will contest a standing start at Globe Derby on Saturday night for trainer Greg Scholefield.

The son of Safari has had 11 starts this season for five wins and two placings, with his victories including the St Arnaud, Stawell, Christmas and Italian Cups.

Emain Macha’s 2018/19 season netted seven wins and six placings from 14 starts with his wins coming in the Victor Harbour, Christmas, Italian, ANZAC, Swan Hill and Wedderburn Cups – which resulted in the gelding being declared South Australian Horse of the Year for the second time

Emain Macha initially claimed the throne in 2017, with his 2019 crowning making him the sixth dual winner since the award’s inauguration in 1986.

The ‘Super Six’ includes Whirley Dream (1987 and ’88), Pappy McCoy (1989 and ’91), Keep It Up (1995 and 2001), Hes A Corka (2002 and ’03) and Conte De Cristo (2009 and ’10).

Given his impressive record this term Emain Macha is favourite to become the first triple winner of the coveted award.

Success in his pending assignment will certainly strengthen the six-year-old’s grip on the trophy.

With Wayne Hill set to take the reins, Emain Macha is a $2.20 favourite in early markets despite his 30-metre handicap.

“He worked great this morning and is ready to go,” Scholefield said. “He is certainly not at the top of his game yet but will run a forward race.

“Coming from 30 metres behind will be hard but he will give a good account of himself.

“He will take a lot of benefit from this run, but where he goes after this I just don’t know.

“Normally I would go to Victoria for a race or two to chase some country cups, but that’s out of the question, so it is a bit hard at the moment to make any real plans with him.”