Since the shutdown of racing in Singapore and his subsequent relocation to Pakenham, trainer Dan Meagher admits the transition has been anything but simple.
Accustomed to competing against respected horsemen such as Laurie Laxon, Lee Freedman and Cliff Brown, Meagher established himself among the leading trainers in Singapore before the industry closed. When he moved to Melbourne, he brought champion Singapore sprinter Lim’s Kosciuszko with him, who ran third in a Stakes race at Flemington at his Australian debut.
However, Meagher concedes he misjudged the rest of Lim’s Kosciuszko’s preparation, leaving him questioning his own judgement.
“You think you have to change your ways and do things differently,” Meagher said.
“Winter hit, and I had never been through winter, and I was doing things differently.
“I ran him at 1400 metres on a patchy track and then I dropped him back to 1100 metres, and it was a sign of a trainer who pushed it when he wasn’t ready for it.
“I was disappointed with how I handled him and he didn’t handle it either.
“He didn’t look good in the coat and then winter hit, and it took its toll, but he’s really enjoying the warmer weather, you can see that.”
Meagher has since returned to the methods that served him well in Singapore, simplifying his approach after having to quickly learn the nuances of Pakenham’s training surfaces, climate shifts, new staff and even adjusting to Australian rugging habits.
“I’ve learned to back myself and not overthink things,” Meagher said.
“I had a lot of success up in Singapore when I was training against the likes of Laurie Laxon, Cliff Brown, Lee Freedman and it didn’t faze me, but you come back here into an environment that you’re not used to, and you start second guessing yourself.
“I had to remember that I was pretty successful before I came down here, so I just had to go back to what I knew and my last five runners have shown that.”
Meagher now has the opportunity to record his most significant win since leaving Singapore when Lim’s Kosciuszko contests the $1 million The Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham on Saturday.
The gelding runs in the Moody Racing slot after finishing fourth first-up at Caulfield over 1100m on November 29.
“I really appreciate that we’re running in Peter Moody’s slot,” Meagher said.
“He rang me and to get asked by a person of his calibre for my horse to run in his slot, it’s greatly appreciated and I hope it’s a great fillip for the stable.”
Meagher was thrilled with Lim’s Kosciuszko’s return and expects the step up to 1400m to suit.
“We were so close, but so far from winning first-up, but I was rapt with his run,” Meagher said.
“For him to be in front until the last 100 metres, it was a terrific run and he pulled-up great.
“I think 1200 metres to a mile, at this stage of his life, he’ll appreciate it and we’re smack bang in the middle which should suit him pretty well.”
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