Journeyman McGregor In Rosehill Approach

He has only had his trainers’ licence renewed for a few months, but Cranbourne-based horseman Adrian McGregor has immediately built an impressive strike rate with limited numbers.

McGregor saddles up Approach Discreet, a horse formerly trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior, in the opening race at Rosehill.

Purchased through an online auction for “a little bit over 10 grand” the five-year-old has more than paid his way for connections.

He has managed two wins and three placings from just six starts for the stable, accumulating $75,000 in earnings.

“I was looking to buy a couple of tried horses just to get going again and he popped up,” McGregor said.

“It helps when you find a handy one. If only it was that easy all the time.”

McGregor has worked with horses since he left school and the love of the thoroughbred has taken him far and wide.

Aside from being a trainer, McGregor has been an amateur picnic jockey, a trackwork rider in Japan, managed a satellite stable for Kiwi trainer Chris Wood, and worked as an assistant trainer to Colin Alderson and Jason Warren.

The wet weather in Sydney doesn’t worry McGregor with the Dawn Approach gelding having had eight runs on rain-affected going for three victories and four placings.

“I actually sent him up there for the soft tracks,” McGregor said.

“With all the wet weather in Sydney and being a benchmark 78, I thought it suited him down to the ground.”

With the restrictions on travel in Victoria the horse has been staying with Con Karakatsanis at Warwick Farm.

The booking of in-form jockey Jason Collett is a plus, with McGregor explaining the pair enjoyed success together when he trained on the NSW central coast around seven years ago .

“I’ve had a bit of luck with Jason before,” McGregor said.

“I think he’s only had two rides for me for a second at Canterbury and he won on the other horse at Gosford.

“I’m looking forward to putting him back on.”