May is progressing well after suffering a medical incident in the Central Otago Trotting Cup at Omakau last Thursday.
The winner of 2950 races in New Zealand usually does much of the hands-on training of Missie Castleton, who is officially trained by his father, Terry.
That work has been handed over to fellow Methven trainer Markham, who has been looking after the 9yr-old while May recuperates in Dunedin Hospital.
Wellwishers from across the Australasian harness racing community have sent messages of support to the seven-time New Zealand Cup winner since his incident.
Many of those will be willing Missie Castleton on for what would be a special an emotionally-charged victory in race six today.
The man with the huge task of filling in for May knows exactly what a win would mean to May’s supporters.
"I will be doing everything in my power to help her win," Markham said.
May’s speedy progression after his incident at Omakau meant he was able to call Markham with instructions on how best to drive Missie Castleton.
"He was ringing me giving me all the instructions — he is as sharp as a knife.
"He said she is better saved for one run. She has got good gate speed, but we might be better off not using it."
Missie Castleton would need only to run up to her last-start effort to go close in today’s 2000m rating 53-60 trot.
The mare was given a perfect run in the one-one by May before sprinting well to win at Addington last month.
She has progressed well leading into today’s race under Markham’s care
"She seems pretty good. I have been working her since Ricky has been off and she worked pretty good [on Sunday], I thought."
May’s friend, Craig Wiggins, has been acting as the spokesman for the May family since the reinsman has been in hospital. He posted on social media yesterday that May will travel to Christchurch Hospital this week and undergo a "small operation".
The post said the procedure would provide the driver with "a confident return to a normal life".
