Shady puts best foot forward to leave McPherson beaming

There have been times when Shady Glen has given reason for Graeme McPherson to pull his hair out. At other times the trainer just wants to give him a hug, such is the nature of the pair’s relationship.

This time around McPherson only had praise for the nine-year-old, who always looked in control as he captured the 3m handicap chase under jockey Kielan Woods for owner Jill Diane Phillips.

“We have a bit of a love-hate relationship at times but I genuinely adore him,” McPherson said. “He’s a funny horse and he’s quirky. Today’s race was run to suit him in that he loves a good, strong pace to run at and then to challenge at the end.”