It is not often a trainer is left slightly confused after winning a group race.
But West Melton trainer Cran Dalgety did not quite know how to feel after Mighty Flying Mac upset his stablemate and New Zealand Cup favourite Christen Me in yesterday's group 3 Hannon Memorial at Oamaru.
Christen Me had his excuses - getting posted three wide and forced to try to make ground in to a head wind - but the upset reminded Dalgety of the glorious uncertainties of racing.
''It's character building. I'm excited to win the race, naturally, but the other guy [Christen Me] did go super,'' Dalgety said.
''Sure I'm disappointed he didn't win - he's the flag flier - but I'm rapt he still went great.''
Dalgety was careful not to take too much credit away from Mighty Flying Mac, a pacer who has been with Dalgety since starting his career as a 2yr old in April 2012.
''He just messed the start up big time last week but he had been training super,'' Dalgety said.
''Because he wasn't an age grade star coming up, he was never a profile horse.
''But I think in free for all company he's big, he's strong, he's powerful, and I think he will be quite competitive for the next season or two.''
Mighty Flying Mac was sitting at 31st in the New Zealand Cup rankings leading in to yesterday's $25,000 feature, but the presence of Christen Me in the race should help the son of Mach Three when the rankings are updated this week.
''At least we know he can compete with the big fish now rather than being a long shot. I may even back him up in the Avon City Ford Cup, whereas Christen Me might have a week off from racing.''
Mighty Flying Mac's breeders, Lex and Heather Williams - who were on hand to watch the race yesterday - will have a Rocknroll Hanover colt at next year's yearling sales.
Dalgety's other runner, Bit Of A Legend, was a solid sixth after sitting parked for much of the last lap.
''He's gone nice but beaten by better horses on the day. But he's a big, round seal, so racing will do him good.''
Mighty Flying Mac's driver, Robbie Holmes, was pleased just to get away on even terms after the gelding made a mess of the start last week.
''He felt really good. He made a wee blue the other night, missing away, but he put himself into the race this week.''
Yesterday's Hannon win was Dalgety's first after three seconds placings over the years.
''When I got out of bed this morning, I didn't think it was going to be with Mighty Flying Mac but that's the funny thing about racing. You can see why the TAB always wins.''
Christen Me closed at $1.20 on the win totalisator and $1.22 with the TAB bookmakers.
