"Donald McCain explains why substantial investments were necessary to revive his faltering career"
Donald McCain's Bankhouse Stable Undergoes Major Upgrade
Donald McCain's Bankhouse stable has undergone a significant transformation, with a major upgrade of facilities including the resurfacing of the main gallop. After five years with a synthetic gallop, the facility was struggling due to weather conditions over the past 18 months. McCain decided to replace the synthetic surface entirely and revert to a woodchip surface, which had served well for 25 years prior.
The main gallop was replaced from woodchip to synthetic, but was later replaced back to woodchip after issues. This major overhaul was carried out at considerable cost and reflects the need to maintain top-quality training conditions. The upgrades also included other improvements around the stable during the summer of 2025.
The impact of these changes on McCain's training should be positive, restoring a reliable, proven training surface that supports horse fitness and performance. McCain himself expressed that in training jump horses, “This isn’t a job you should stand still in,” underscoring the importance of continual investment and adaptation. The upgraded gallop and facilities are intended to get the stable back on track and maintain its competitive edge.
In the latest campaign, McCain's stable delivered 53 winners, which is his lowest in nine years. However, McCain feels the system no longer allows for seasons of 150 winners and is now comfortable changing his approach to train horses. He believes the low number of winners was due to factors like ground conditions and horses, not the gallops issues.
The stable is now home to a strong support team, including the twin jockeys Charlie and Will Maggs, and stable jockey Brian Hughes. McCain's son, Finlay, is also working at the stable. Irish rider Dylan White has been brought in as a conditional jockey due to the rapid ascents of Charlie and Will Maggs.
Donald McCain's daughter, Ella, has become a grandparent. Her son was born to McCain's second jockey, Theo Gillard. Unfortunately, Charlie Maggs has had a setback, knocking out his front teeth while schooling and missing out on a winner at Newmarket.
Subscribers of The Front Runner receive insight, tips, and racing chat every Monday to Friday. The newsletter is normally exclusive for Racing Post+ subscribers, but an option to join is available by clicking a link. McCain is focusing on finding new horses to train, acknowledging that training many winners does not guarantee success. He is looking forward to Count Of Vendome and Roses All The Way going novice hurdling.
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