Episode 434: Leon Macdonald

Everybody wanted a piece of champion trainer Leon Macdonald when he saddled his final runners at Morphettville on July 29th, and we were on the list. We caught up with the SA racing legend a few days later and got him started on a sentimental journey. He begins by looking back on an emotional final day at the scene of some of his greatest moments. He says an on course video tribute tested his emotions.  Leon was philosophical about a winless final day. He pays tribute to the young man who’ll be filling his shoes at French Cotton Lodge, son-in-law Andrew Gluyas. The one Adelaide major to elude Leon was the historic Goodwood Hcp. He talks of his narrow defeat with Another Award in May. The former trainer acknowledges his long and successful association with veteran jockey Jason “Stubby” Holder. Leon talks at length about Dalasan, the horse who deserved a Gr 1 win but had to settle for four placings at the elite level. He talks of Dalasan’s promising half sister. The veteran recalls a freakish trackwork accident in 2021 which left him with a broken hip. Leon says he was shocked and humbled in 2014 when inducted into the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame. He talks of his uncle George Macdonald who greatly influenced his early career.  Leon talks of his first Gr 1 winner French Cotton after whom his Morphettville stables were named. Macdonald talks of another early Gr 1 win with Mine Gold in the Australasian Oaks. He reminisces about his uncle Ab Macdonald who trained  outstanding filly Farmer’s Daughter in the 1960’s. Leon talks of the job he had before becoming a horse trainer. He wasn’t cut out for his job with the Electricity Trust of South Australia. He talks of a long and happy association with owner/breeder and successful businessman Harry Perks. Leon pays Gold Guru the tribute he deserves. He has no doubt the son of Geiger Counter was the best horse he trained.  Second only to Gold Guru as a Macdonald favourite was the ageless Umrum. He loved the dual Gr 1 winner. Leon was a trailblazer in recognising the talents of female jockeys. He pays tribute to riders like Ruth McMillan, Clare Lindop and Raquel Clark. He looks back on a memorable Victoria Derby win with despised outsider Rebel Raider. Leon remembers the deeds of bonny mare Southern Speed who brought him a win in the coveted Caulfield Cup. The former trainer talks of Gr 1 winning filly Go Indy Go. He speaks with affection of the multiple stakes winner Dilly Dally. He pays tribute to one of Dilly Dally’s owners, his wife Pam who was always the steadying influence in the Macdonald Racing operation. Leon has fond memories of the tough filly Augusta Proud who gave him a memorable win in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic. He makes special mention of his daughters Sue and Christine. Sue is married to Andrew Gluyas, and Christine is the wife of former ace race caller Terry McAuliffe. It’s a laid back chat with a true legend of South Australian racing.