Contributer Shows Form For Mackinnon Third

A preparation that promised so much for Contributer has ended with an encouraging run into third place in the G1, 2000m Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, October 31.

Australia's middle distance Horse of the Year last season when he collected a series of wins, including a pair of G1s, Contributer (John O'Shea/James McDonald) has been hampered this term by hard tracks.

O'Shea said he had also carried the legacy of an injury suffered last autumn.

"He recovered fine from the problem he had in the autumn, but I just haven't been able to give him the work he needed," O'Shea said.

"We'll take him home now and give him a good rest and he'll come back better than ever."
On a soft track for the first time this campaign, Contributer raced comfortably just beyond midfield for most of the race.

After passing the 800m, McDonald eased him into the clear and began a run that looked certain to take him to victory.

But in the final 150m Contributer's run ended and the early leader Gaillo Chop fought back to score a half-length victory over Rising Romance.

Jockey James McDonald expressed relief that Contributer had finally shown some form.

"I always had confidence in him, he's a better horse than he's shown down here in Melbourne," McDonald said.

"He appreciated the good pace today and the softer track. I'm disappointed we couldn't win one but I'm pleased that he put in and really tried."